Capacity Consultation
When you or a loved one faces an important decision, like updating a will, setting up a trust, or signing a power of attorney, questions about decision-making can come up. Often a family member is wondering, “Can Mom really decide this right now?” Sometimes it’s the person making the decision who wants a clear medical opinion to support their choice. A capacity evaluation answers that question carefully and respectfully, with a clear written opinion you can rely on.
Available for patients in Hawaii. Capacity evaluations are done in person whenever possible, usually at home or another agreed place. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, we’ll talk with you about whether a video evaluation can work.
What is a capacity evaluation?
It's a medical assessment of whether a person can make a specific decision at a specific time. Dr. Suen looks at whether the person making the decision, whether that’s you or your loved one, can understand the information, see how it applies to them, weigh the options, and share a clear choice.
Having some memory problems doesn't automatically mean someone can't make a decision, and making a choice others disagree with doesn't either.
Evaluations we offer
Medical power of attorney · Financial power of attorney · Updates to wills · Trusts
When people reach out
Signing or updating a medical or financial power of attorney
Updating a will
Creating or changing a trust
Concerns about undue influence around one of these decisions
When another doctor wasn't able to give an opinion on capacity
What to expect
A conversation first. Call or email us to talk through the decision in question and who needs the report.
Background. We'll ask for medical records, a medication list, and observations from people who know you or your loved one well.
The visit. Dr. Suen meets with the person making the decision, usually at home, for a respectful conversation and memory assessment focused on the decision at hand.
Your written opinion. A clear report for you, your family, your attorney, or your care team explaining Dr. Suen's opinion and how she reached it.
How to prepare
The document or decision in question (for example, a draft will)
Current medications and recent medical records
Any earlier memory testing or capacity letters
A few specific examples of your concerns, with dates
Contact information for the attorney or other professionals involved
About payment
Each evaluation is different, so please call or email us to discuss your situation.
We don’t take insurance, including Medicare, for capacity evaluations. You pay for Dr. Suen’s time directly.
Common questions
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Doctors such as geriatricians, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians often do them. Requirements for legal matters depend on the decision and state law, so your attorney can confirm what’s needed. Dr. Suen’s experience with older adults’ health, medications, and memory makes her well suited to these evaluations.
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Sometimes a doctor doesn’t have the time, the training, or enough information about the decision. A specialist evaluation can give an independent, thorough opinion.
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Yes. Many people do well in a brief conversation. That’s why a full evaluation includes records, family observations, and a detailed discussion of the specific decision.
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Not quite. Capacity is a medical opinion about a specific decision. Competency is decided by a court.
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Yes. Dr. Suen regularly works with elder-law and estate-planning attorneys.
Forms
Ready to get started? Please complete these forms before your first visit.
Call (202) 670-8838 or email info@discoverhealth.net.
Looking for a full health review? Learn about Geriatric Consultation →
For emergencies, call 911.