Understanding Capacity vs. Competency: How ElderCARE Supports Families Through Difficult Decisions
Featuring Edwina Minar, MSSW, LCSW
Families are often faced with difficult questions as loved ones age:
Can Mom still safely manage her medications?
Is Dad able to make financial decisions?
When should we seek professional help?
At ElderCARE, we understand how emotional and overwhelming these situations can be. That’s why Edwina Minar and the ElderCARE team work closely with families and professionals to help navigate concerns related to decision-making capacity and competency.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are very different.
Capacity is a clinical determination — a person’s ability to understand information, weigh options, and communicate decisions. Capacity can fluctuate due to illness, medication changes, dehydration, stress, or cognitive decline.
Competency, on the other hand, is a legal determination made by the court system.
“Capacity is not always all-or-nothing,” explains Edwina Minar. “Many older adults are still able to make certain decisions independently while needing support in other areas. Our role is to help families recognize concerns early and connect them with the right resources.”
Edwina has completed specialized education and training related to evaluating decision-making capacity, allowing her to better support families, healthcare professionals, and care teams in identifying concerns and understanding when further clinical or legal evaluation may be appropriate.
Warning signs may include:
Increased confusion or memory loss
Medication mismanagement
Unsafe financial decisions
Difficulty understanding medical information
Changes in judgment or behavior
ElderCARE helps families, care providers, and professionals by:
Identifying safety and cognitive concerns
Providing guidance and education
Supporting communication between families and healthcare providers
Connecting clients with appropriate evaluations and resources
Helping preserve dignity while promoting safety and independence
At ElderCARE, our goal is to support aging adults and the people who care for them with compassion, knowledge, and practical guidance during some of life’s most challenging transitions.