Capacity Assessment with Older Adults

Psychologists are uniquely positioned to assess for capacity in many settings and are often called upon by other professionals to offer an opinion on capacity, yet most psychologists do not receive much didactic or clinical training specific to capacity assessment. This intermediate-level course offers education about capacity for financial and medical decision-making, and capacity for independent living in older adults. Topics covered will include a theoretical framework for understanding capacity, discussion of the responsibilities of professionals involved in capacity assessment, an exploration of ethics in capacity assessment, an overview of approaches to testing in capacity cases, and information about abuse and undue influence in capacity assessment cases. Case examples will be provided, and there will be time for questions and discussion. This course is designed for psychologists, physicians, and other medical or mental health professionals who may be involved in the care of older adults where questions of capacity arise. This course is also useful for fiduciaries, elder law attorneys, and other adjacent professionals to gain insight and understanding into how psychologists approach capacity assessment for older adults.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the theoretical basis and ethical considerations for capacity assessment with older adults
2. Identify appropriate tests and techniques for evaluating capacity in older adults
3. Identify warning signs for undue influence or abuse in capacity cases and steps to take in response

Instructor: Stacy Reger, Ph.D. is a clinical geropsychologist working in private practice conducting capacity, neuropsychological, and psychological assessments as well as psychotherapy. She has a decade of experience working with older adults at the VA in various clinical settings, including long-term care, hospice, spinal cord injury inpatient and outpatient clinics, and in neuropsych assessment clinics. Dr. Reger has been teaching advanced level courses since 2007, was the director of training for the APA-accredited internship at Long Beach VA Medical Center, and has served on the board of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association since 2015. She co-founded Insights into Aging with Dr. Amy Rosett in 2024.

Disclosure: Dr. Reger has no conflicts to disclose.

Cost: $90

Space is limited and will be held only with payment.
Advance registration is recommended.
An email confirming your registration and payment will be sent within two days of receipt of payment.
Cancellation requests must be received in writing by May 17th. There will be a $30 processing fee.

Questions: Contact Dr. Reger at Insights into Aging drstacyreger@gmail.com or (424) 262-1925.