It protects adults, people aged 16 or over, who are unable to make some or all decisions for themselves. It allows a person (or more than one), a relative, friend, partner, or a professional, such as a solicitor or accountant or the local council to make decisions on someone's behalf.

Those appointed to help are called attorneys or guardians.

They can help people:

• make welfare decisions
• and/or make decisions about property or financial matters

The act focuses on the individual needs of the adult in question. It restricts what an attorney or guardian can do. For example, a welfare attorney or guardian can't agree to certain treatments for the person they're acting for against their will.

The act can put measures in place for people:

• in case they lose capacity in the future
• or when an adult has already lost capacity