Home / Assessments / Capacity Assessment
When a loved one’s ability to make personal or financial decisions is in question, a capacity assessment provides a clear, respectful and legally recognized answer. Home visits are available across the Edmonton area.
On this page: What it is When it helps What is included Process FAQ Book
Quick answer
A capacity assessment is a formal evaluation of whether an adult can understand and appreciate the information needed to make personal or financial decisions. In Alberta, assessments used for guardianship, trusteeship or co-decision-making under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) must be completed by a Designated Capacity Assessor (DCA), who prepares a Form 4 Capacity Assessment Report for the court.
A capacity assessment is not about labelling someone. It identifies which decisions a person can make on their own and where support may be needed, so their rights and wellbeing are protected.
When it helps
Families usually seek an assessment when decision-making has become a concern and legal authority is needed.
You are applying to the Court of King’s Bench to become a guardian for personal decisions such as health care and living arrangements.
You need authority to manage an adult’s finances, property or bills.
The adult can make decisions with support and you are applying to be a co-decision-maker.
A loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory changes affecting decisions.
An acquired brain injury, stroke or serious mental illness has affected judgment.
Concerns about financial exploitation or unsafe decisions.
What is included
Each assessment focuses on the specific decisions your court application covers.
Assessments are completed by Mukesh Mishra, MSW, RCSW, a Designated Capacity Assessor (DCA) appointed under Alberta’s Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act.
Assesses the ability to make decisions about health care, living arrangements, who to live with and associate with, social activities, employment and legal matters.
Assesses the ability to make financial decisions, such as managing income, paying bills, handling property and protecting against exploitation.
Assesses whether the adult can make personal decisions with the support of a co-decision-maker.
Step by step
Call 587-372-3143 to discuss your situation, the type of assessment you need and scheduling.
A doctor completes a medical evaluation first, to rule out treatable medical causes affecting capacity.
The DCA meets with the adult, usually at home or in their care setting, and may speak with family or care providers.
You receive the completed Form 4 Capacity Assessment Report, typically within a few business days, for your court application.
Fees
Transparent, fixed fees. Travel charges may apply for locations outside the Edmonton area.
$500 for one assessment type (guardianship, co-decision-making or trusteeship).
$700 when both personal and financial decision-making are assessed together.
Additional travel charges may apply outside Greater Edmonton. Ask us when you book.
Call us to talk through your situation, what the assessment involves and what you need to bring.
A Designated Capacity Assessor (DCA) is a health professional, such as a Registered Clinical Social Worker, who is trained and authorized under Alberta’s Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act to assess capacity and complete Form 4 reports.
Form 4 is the Capacity Assessment Report required for guardianship, co-decision-making and trusteeship applications to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
Yes. A doctor completes a medical evaluation before the capacity assessment to make sure there are no treatable medical reasons affecting decision-making.
Yes. We provide mobile assessments at home, in hospital or in care facilities across Greater Edmonton.
Once the medical evaluation is ready and the assessment is complete, the Form 4 report is typically delivered within a few business days.
Take the first step
Send a request and we will contact you to confirm details and scheduling, or book directly on our secure Jane App portal.
587-372-3143
contact@disha.ca
3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2
In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 911. This form is not monitored around the clock.
