The importance of collaboration between the Deputy and the MDT

A Property and Affairs Deputy plays an important role in supporting decisions made on behalf of an incapacitated person.  However, it is often the case that property & affairs matters, and welfare issues, are intertwined and need to be considered alongside each other, to ensure effective best interests decision making.  A Property & Affairs Deputy will therefore frequently work with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that might help implement rehabilitation or care for the incapacitated person.

The MDT acts as a diverse group of healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to meet the needs of the client and encourage their progression. These might include a case manager; occupational therapist; speech and language therapist; neuropsychologist and a team of specialist support workers, amongst others.  The MDT are responsible for making clinical recommendations for care, support and other arrangements affecting an individual’s daily life and rehabilitation.  It is essential that the MDT and the Deputy work together as a multi-agency partnership, for the client to have the best chances of reaching their rehabilitative goals.  A property and affairs Deputy will also play a crucial role in assessing the financial impact of any treatment plan and will assess that against the resources that are available to the client.   Often, recommendations made by the MDT will require support from the Deputy to ensure their successful implementation (for example, where a financial incentive plan is proposed).  A collaborative approach will ensure that the message delivered to the client by the team, is a consistent one, which in turn will help provide clarity and may facilitate client insight into the strategies and goals being recommended for the individual.

An MDT will meet regularly, forming a private forum for the allocated professionals to align on a collective rehabilitation structure, and by sharing information and considering it together, an individual can be supported to recover from their injuries; by being assisted to re-integrate in the community and achieving the best possible outcomes for their future; and hopefully towards as independent a life as possible.