Signs That It Might Be Time for a Capacity Retest: When Past Evaluations Are No Longer Enough

Evaluations of decision-making capacity are often viewed as definitive answers. Families and professionals breathe a sigh of relief when a thorough assessment provides clarity. Yet capacity is not a fixed trait, it is fluid. A testamentary capacity evaluation, just like any psychological or neuropsychological evaluation, gives a snapshot of how someone is doing at one particular moment in time. Things like mental health, physical health, cognition, relationships, and environment change over time, and so can a person’s capacity. A past evaluation may have been accurate at the time, but it may no longer reflect the present reality.

As a geropsychologist, I have worked with families, caregivers, fiduciaries, and professionals in situations when a person’s capacity to make certain decisions has changed months or years after a previous testamentary capacity assessment. In these cases, there are signs that a capacity retest might be warranted. Here are some key indicators.

Cognitive Shifts That Raise Concern

• Memory decline: Increasing forgetfulness, difficulty recalling recent events, or repeating questions more frequently.

• Problem-solving difficulties: Struggling with everyday tasks like balancing a checkbook or following recipes.

• Communication changes: Trouble finding words, following conversations, or understanding written material.

This is the biggest (and most obvious) indicator that an updated capacity assessment may be needed. When cognitive changes appear or worsen, it’s a signal that the prior evaluation may no longer capture current abilities, and capacity may have shifted.

Medical or Psychiatric Changes

• New diagnoses: Conditions such as dementia, stroke, or depression can alter decision-making capacity.

• Medication adjustments: Some prescriptions may improve cognition, while others may impair it.

• Hospitalizations or acute illness: Episodes of delirium or complications can temporarily or permanently affect functioning.

Because health is dynamic, capacity assessments must sometimes be revisited when medical circumstances change. This is particularly true if one of the capacities in question is the capacity to make medical decisions about treatments, surgeries, or living independently after a health status change. 

Life Transitions and New Demands

• Changes in living arrangements: Moving to assisted living or nursing care often requires adapting to new routines. This is fine for many folks, but for some older adults with mild cognitive decline, a big change like this can overwhelm their ability to adapt.

• Increased independence needs: A person may suddenly need to manage finances or healthcare decisions on their own, for example, after a spouse passes away. Again, in some situations, this is fine. In other situations, for example, if the living partner never managed the finances at all, and now lacks capacity to do so alone, a capacity assessment may be needed.

• Caregiver observations: Family members or staff noticing difficulties in judgment or daily functioning that may impact decisions.

Capacity is context-dependent. What was adequate in one environment may not be sufficient in another, and an updated capacity assessment can clarify exactly how a person’s needs have changed.

Legal and Financial Considerations

• Estate planning updates: Drafting or revising wills, trusts, or powers of attorney requires clear capacity. For older adults wanting to make changes to a trust or will, it is often important to have a capacity evaluation even if a lack of capacity is not suspected. This protects any decisions from being contested in the future.

• Financial vulnerability: Susceptibility to scams, risky investments, or poor judgment in spending. A capacity assessment can give clarity about a person’s decisions, especially if they are being influenced or making questionable financial decisions that are out of character.

• Guardianship reviews: Courts may request updated evaluations to ensure protections remain appropriate.

Because these decisions carry lasting consequences, retesting ensures they are made responsibly.

Fluctuating Abilities

Some individuals experience “good days” and “bad days.” If functioning seems inconsistent, a retest can help clarify whether the person can reliably make decisions or if supports are needed, and if so, what type of supports would allow the most independence possible.

Why Retesting Matters

Retesting is not about questioning past evaluations; it is simply a reality that comes with the way people evolve over the lifespan. A new assessment ensures:

• Decisions are made with the most accurate understanding of abilities.

• Supports are tailored to current needs.

• Families and professionals can act with confidence and compassion.

Capacity evaluations are tools for empowerment, not restriction. They safeguard autonomy while protecting well-being. If you notice any of the signs above, consider consulting a qualified professional for a retest. Past evaluations are valuable, but they are not permanent verdicts.

GET UPDATED CLARITY WITH A TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY RETEST IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Cognitive abilities can shift over time due to illness progression, new diagnoses, medication changes, or life events. When a previous testamentary capacity assessment in Los Angeles, CA no longer reflects a person's current functioning, a retest may be necessary to ensure decisions remain legally valid and aligned with their true intentions. Whether months or years have passed, reassessment provides updated clarity that protects everyone involved.

Recognizing when past evaluations are no longer enough requires attention to meaningful changes—declining memory, confusion about key decisions, progression of dementia, or sudden medical events that impact thinking and judgment. These situations are never easy to navigate, but they call for updated professional insight that honors both the person's autonomy and the legal requirements surrounding estate planning.

As a trusted geropsychologist in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stacy Reger understands that capacity is not static. Her approach to capacity retesting is thorough, compassionate, and responsive to the realities of cognitive change. She helps families, attorneys, and fiduciaries determine whether a new evaluation is warranted and conducts updated assessments that reflect current cognitive functioning. Dr. Reger's work ensures that decisions made today are grounded in accurate, present-day understanding—not outdated information.

Take the next step toward updated clarity and protection:

1. Call (424) 262-1925 to discuss whether a capacity retest is appropriate for your situation

2. Schedule a testamentary capacity assessment in Los Angeles, CA with a geropsychologist who specializes in retesting

3. Receive a comprehensive assessment that reflects current cognitive abilities and legal standards

OTHER SERVICES DR. REGER PROVIDES IN CALIFORNIA

Beyond capacity retesting, Dr. Stacy Reger offers a full range of neuropsychological evaluations and geriatric mental health services designed to support families through every stage of aging and cognitive change. Her practice includes baseline cognitive assessments, dementia evaluations, pre-surgical screenings, and consultations that help families plan proactively rather than reactively.

Dr. Reger also provides therapy for older adults and their caregivers who are managing the emotional weight of cognitive decline, changing roles, and difficult decisions. She works closely with legal professionals, financial advisors, and healthcare teams to ensure coordinated care that respects both personal wishes and professional standards. Through education, training, and compassionate consultation, she helps families communicate more effectively and navigate uncertainty with greater confidence. For more guidance on recognizing signs of cognitive change and understanding when reevaluation may be needed, explore Dr. Reger's blog for additional insights and resources.

What’s the Difference Between a Motivational Speaker and a Mental Health Speaker?

In today’s world, organizations often look for mental health speakers who can inspire, educate, and connect with audiences. Conferences, schools, and workplaces invite voices to uplift and inform. As a mental health speaker in Los Angeles, CA, and psychologist who gives mental health presentations and offers educational consultation to groups, I am sometimes asked, “What’s the difference between a motivational speaker and a mental health speaker in Los Angeles, and why might you want a neuropsychologist in that role?”

Motivational Speakers: Inspiration Through Storytelling

Motivational speakers are known for their ability to energize audiences. They share personal stories of resilience, success, or transformation, aiming to spark confidence and drive. 

• Focus: Motivation, inspiration, and empowerment.

• Approach: Storytelling, high energy, and practical strategies for achievement based on their personal experience.

• Audience takeaway: A boost in confidence and renewed determination.

While motivational speakers can be powerful, their expertise is typically rooted in personal experience rather than scientific training. This is not a bad thing; learning from others is an important part of life. But personal experiences are…well…personal, and what has worked for one person may or may not work for most people.

Mental Health Speakers: Education Grounded in Expertise

Mental health speakers, especially psychologist speakers with doctoral-level scientific training, bring a different lens. The psychologist’s aim in a mental health keynote or workshop is to educate audiences about concepts that have been researched in the field of psychology, such as psychological well-being, stress management, resilience, the intersection of mental and physical health, and mental health challenges. When your mental health speaker is a psychologist, the benefits multiply:

• Evidence-based knowledge: Psychologists draw on research and clinical experience, ensuring audiences receive accurate, reliable information that is supported by science. When you hire a mental health keynote speaker who is also a licensed psychologist, you're ensuring your audience receives scientifically validated information.

• Practical tools: Beyond inspiration, psychologists also provide strategies rooted in science—coping skills, communication techniques, and resilience-building practices.

• Destigmatization: Psychologists normalize conversations about mental health, reducing shame and encouraging help-seeking. As a psychologist who does assessments, therapy, consultation, and speaking, I have seen and heard it all. There is no problem too “embarrassing” for a seasoned psychologist!

• Credibility: Audiences trust that the speaker’s insights are not just motivational but clinically sound. Clinical psychologists are doctors who have been trained and supervised for many years in graduate school, then completed additional years of supervised clinical training, and then taken one or several big tests to become licensed! We also have ethical guidelines that set parameters for our profession, and are required to continue learning and developing professionally in order to stay licensed.

Unlike motivational speakers, psychologists are trained to understand the complexities of human behavior, emotion, and cognition. A neuropsychologist speaker’s presentations usually blend science-based professional expertise with relatable examples, making them both informative and engaging. (At least that’s what I aim for!)

Why Choose a Psychologist as Your Mental Health Speaker?

Hiring a psychologist speaker as your mental health keynote speaker ensures that your audience walks away with more than just inspiration—they leave with tools they can apply in daily life. Psychologists can tailor talks to specific needs, whether it’s workplace stress, student resilience, or caregiver burnout. They also bring sensitivity to diverse audiences, recognizing cultural and developmental differences in how mental health is experienced.

In short:

• Motivational speakers inspire action by telling their personal stories. This can be powerful, but may not generalize, and may or may not be backed by research that the audience can apply to their own lives.

• Psychologists as mental health speakers educate, empower, and equip audiences with lasting skills that are supported by research.

Motivational speakers remind us to dream bigger. Psychologists remind us that it’s okay to struggle, and show us how to cope effectively, with evidence-based information that works for many people. If the goal of hiring a mental health speaker for your organization is to foster understanding and well-being on a topic related to mental health, hiring a psychologist is often a very impactful choice. Whether you're seeking a mental health speaker in Los Angeles, CA, for your conference, workplace, or school, choosing a psychologist ensures your event delivers both inspiration and evidence-based impact."

BRING EVIDENCE-BASED INSIGHT TO YOUR EVENT WITH A MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

When planning a conference, workplace training, or community event, choosing the right speaker can make all the difference in creating a lasting impact. A mental health speaker in Los Angeles, CA, brings more than motivation. They deliver scientifically grounded education that resonates, informs, and empowers your audience with tools they can truly use in their daily lives. Conversations about mental health, resilience, and well-being deserve more than surface-level inspiration. They require expertise rooted in research, clinical experience, and a deep understanding of human psychology.

These discussions go beyond feel-good moments; they center on providing audiences with accurate information, practical coping strategies, and the confidence to seek support when needed. As a licensed psychologist and mental health keynote speaker in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stacy Reger offers presentations that blend evidence-based knowledge with relatable storytelling and real-world application. Her work helps organizations create meaningful dialogue around stress management, emotional wellness, workplace burnout, caregiver resilience, and mental health destigmatization. All while equipping attendees with practical, research-backed strategies they can apply immediately to improve their well-being.

Take the next step toward meaningful impact:

1. Call (424) 262-1925 to discuss your event needs and speaking topics

2. Work with a psychologist speaker who combines clinical expertise with engaging delivery

3. Create an experience that educates, inspires, and leaves lasting tools for well-being

OTHER SERVICES DR. REGER PROVIDES IN CALIFORNIA

When your organization seeks a mental health keynote speaker in Los Angeles, CA, you're investing in more than a single presentation. You're opening doors to deeper understanding, sustainable change, and genuine psychological growth. The right speaker helps audiences move beyond temporary motivation to genuine insight about mental health, resilience, and the complexities of human behavior and emotion.

As a clinical psychologist and mental health speaker in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Reger brings a compassionate, science-informed approach to topics that matter most to today's audiences. She addresses workplace stress, burnout prevention, caregiver well-being, student mental health, the intersection of physical and psychological wellness, and strategies for building resilience in challenging times. Through engaging keynotes and interactive workshops, she helps diverse groups, from corporate teams to educational institutions to healthcare organizations, understand the research behind mental health while fostering environments where people feel safe to discuss their struggles, ask questions, and seek support without shame or stigma.

In addition to speaking engagements, Dr. Stacy Reger provides comprehensive psychological services, including neuropsychological evaluations for cognitive concerns, therapy for adults and older adults facing life transitions, consultation for organizations navigating mental health challenges in their communities, and educational training for professionals seeking to better support the people they serve. Her work bridges clinical expertise with real-world application, helping individuals, families, and groups navigate complex emotional and cognitive concerns with confidence and compassion.

Dr. Reger also offers individual and family therapy addressing life transitions, caregiver stress, identity challenges, relationship concerns, and adjustment to aging and loss. She collaborates with schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and community organizations through customized presentations, workshops, and consultations designed to improve mental health literacy, enhance communication skills, and create cultures of psychological safety and support. To learn more about mental health, resilience strategies, destigmatization efforts, and creating supportive environments in your organization, visit Dr. Reger's blog for additional resources, insights, and evidence-based guidance.

Can Dementia Patients Change Their Will? A Geropsychologist Explains the Legal Thresholds

Families often ask me whether a loved one with dementia can still make or change a will. As a geropsychologist who does capacity evaluations and neuropsychological assessments with older adults, I work at the intersection of aging, cognition, and decision-making capacity. I have over a decade of experience doing neuropsychological and capacity assessments, and I have seen many people in many situations for these types of evaluations. Understanding the legal thresholds for “testamentary capacity” is important for older adults and families facing this concern.

What Is Testamentary Capacity?

In legal terms, testamentary capacity refers to the mental ability required to make a valid will. Courts in California generally look for four key abilities:

1. Understanding the nature of a will: The person must grasp that a will distributes their property after death.

2. Knowing the extent of their assets: They don’t need to recall every bank account number, but they should have a reasonable sense of what they own (like property, investments, and so on).

3. Recognizing potential beneficiaries: They must know who might logically inherit their estate, such as their spouse, children, or other close relations.

4. Making rational decisions: They must be able to weigh these factors and express a clear choice with a rationale that makes sense and is consistent with what we know of their values.

Dementia and Capacity: Not Always Black and White

Dementia is a progressive condition, but capacity is not all-or-nothing. Key points:

• Cognition can fluctuate over days or weeks: Some individuals have “lucid intervals” where their thinking is clear enough to meet legal standards.

• Diagnosis ≠ incapacity: A dementia diagnosis alone does not automatically invalidate a will or mean a person lacks capacity.

• Context counts: Courts often consider medical records, neuropsychological evaluations, and witness testimony to determine capacity at the time the will was signed. This is where having a geropsychologist with expertise in capacity assessment involved can cover a lot of bases. I conduct a thorough and comprehensive evaluation with the legal standards in mind, so there are no big unanswered questions

The Role of Geropsychologists

Geropsychologists are often asked to evaluate whether someone has the cognitive ability to make legal decisions. This may involve:

• Clinical interviews to assess understanding of assets and beneficiaries.

• Collateral interviews with people who know the older adult and their situation, like family members, caregivers, attorneys, and accountants who are involved.

• Cognitive testing to measure memory, reasoning, and judgment.

• Review of medical or financial records to support a medical opinion about capacity.

• Documentation that provides courts with objective evidence of capacity (or lack thereof).

Such capacity evaluations can protect vulnerable individuals from undue influence while also honoring their autonomy when capacity is intact.

Legal Safeguards

Attorneys and courts often use additional safeguards when dementia is present:

• Medical affidavits: Physicians or psychologists may provide written opinions on capacity.

• Witnesses: Neutral parties may be present during will signing to attest to lucidity.

• Video recordings: Some families choose to document the process to reduce later disputes.

Practical Guidance for Families

If you’re supporting a loved one with dementia who wishes to change their will:

• Seek professional evaluation early to establish capacity. I am always happy to consult in these cases. They can be tricky to navigate without guidance from attorneys and psychologists who specialize in capacity.

• Document the process carefully to prevent future challenges.

• Balance autonomy and protection—respect your loved one’s wishes while ensuring they are not exploited.

Final Thoughts From a Geropsychologist in Los Angeles

The question of whether dementia patients can change their will is nuanced. The legal threshold is not about perfect memory or flawless cognition, and a diagnosis of any kind does not automatically mean a person lacks capacity. The legal threshold for capacity is focused on whether the individual can demonstrate understanding, reasoning, and intent at the time of the decision. With careful evaluation and documentation, many people with mild or moderate dementia may still meet the standard for testamentary capacity.

As a geropsychologist in South Bay, CA, my role is to help families and courts navigate these complexities with compassion and clarity, ensuring that dignity and justice remain at the center of the process.

Get CLear Guidance With a Testamentary Capacity Assessment in Los Angeles, CA

When questions arise about a loved one’s ability to make or change a will, a testamentary capacity assessment can provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind. With professional evaluation, families and legal teams gain informed guidance that helps reduce conflict and supports sound decision-making.

Conversations about wills and decision-making in the context of dementia can feel emotionally heavy, but they are also deeply important. These discussions go beyond paperwork—they center on honoring a person’s values, wishes, and autonomy while ensuring decisions meet legal standards. As a trusted geropsychologist in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stacy Reger offers a careful, respectful approach to navigating these sensitive situations. Her work helps families and professionals understand cognitive capacity, communicate more effectively, and move forward with confidence and compassion.

Take the next step toward clarity and confidence:

1. Call (424) 262-1925 to schedule a confidential consultation

2. Work with a geropsychologist in Los Angeles for testamentary capacity evaluations

3. Create a plan that balances legal insight with emotional care and understanding

Other Services Dr. Reger Provides in California

When uncertainty arises about a loved one’s ability to make or change a will, a testamentary capacity assessment can provide essential clarity and reassurance. These evaluations help families and professionals understand cognitive functioning while supporting decisions that are both legally sound and emotionally respectful.

As a geropsychologist in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Reger brings a calm, compassionate approach to situations involving estate planning, cognitive change, and end-of-life decision-making. She helps adult children and aging parents navigate these complex conversations with care—ensuring that personal values, intentions, and concerns are thoughtfully considered. Through comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, she assesses memory, reasoning, judgment, and decision-making abilities that may impact a person’s capacity to understand and express testamentary wishes.

In addition to testamentary capacity evaluations, Dr. Stacy Reger conducts a range of med-legal and clinical assessments, including workers’ compensation evaluations, pre-surgical cognitive screenings, and other neuropsychological services that support informed planning. Her work helps families, attorneys, and fiduciaries determine appropriate next steps with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Reger also offers therapy and consultation for older adults and caregivers facing emotional, relational, or identity challenges related to aging and independence. She collaborates with families, professionals, and community organizations through education, training, and presentations designed to improve communication and decision-making. To learn more about cognitive health, aging, and navigating sensitive family discussions, visit Dr. Reger’s blog for additional resources.

How to Prepare Your Team for a Mental Health Keynote Speaker: 5 Tips for Better Engagement

Bringing in a keynote speaker to address mental health is a powerful investment in your team’s well-being. But the impact of the session depends not only on the speaker’s expertise. It also hinges on how well your team is prepared to engage. As a clinical psychologist and speaker in Los Angeles, CA, I’ve seen organizations maximize the benefits of these events when they take a few intentional steps beforehand. Here are five practical tips to help your team get the most out of a mental health keynote.

1. Set the Stage with Clear Communication

• Explain the purpose: Let your team know why the session is happening and what you hope they’ll gain.

• Normalize participation: Emphasize that mental health is a universal topic, not just for those in crisis.

• Reduce uncertainty: Share details about the format, length, and expectations so employees feel comfortable.

2. Encourage an Open Mindset

• Frame it as growth, not therapy: Mental health presentations for a workplace team are about learning strategies, not diagnosing problems.

• Highlight relevance: Connect the topic to workplace challenges like stress, burnout, or resilience (subjects relevant to audience needs).

• Invite curiosity: Encourage team members to listen for insights they can apply personally and professionally.

3. Create Psychological Safety

• Model openness: Leaders can share their own experiences with stress or self-care to set the tone. In my experience speaking at organizations, when a leader shows humility and openness to new ideas and self-care, employees feel supported and engaged in the presentation.

• Avoid judgment: There is still a lot of stigma around mental health in general, so it’s helpful to be thoughtful about reducing stigma, normalizing mental health conversations, and refraining from judgments or assumptions about how people may feel entering a mental health presentation or keynote.

• Respect privacy: Make it clear that no one will be pressured to disclose personal struggles.

4. Prime Engagement Beforehand

• Provide reflection prompts: Ask employees to consider questions like, “What helps me recharge?” or “What challenges my mental health at work?” I sometimes send out a survey to employees in a workplace speaking engagement ahead of time to get a sense of the questions and concerns among the group (anonymously, of course). This helps me tailor a presentation even more to the organization’s needs.

• Share resources: Circulate articles or short videos related to the keynote topic.

• Build anticipation: Position the event as an opportunity to learn practical tools, not just a lecture. Also, advertise early and often, and make the time for employees to attend by shifting meetings, pushing deadlines, or otherwise lightening their load to make space.

5. Follow Through After the Keynote

• Debrief as a team: Hold a short discussion to capture takeaways and action steps.

• Encourage application: Ask employees to try one strategy they learned from the speaking psychologist and share results later.

• Sustain momentum: Integrate mental health practices into ongoing meetings, policies, or wellness initiatives.

Final Thoughts From a Mental Health Speaker in Los Angeles, CA

A mental health keynote can spark meaningful change, but preparation is key. By setting expectations, fostering openness, and following up afterward, you ensure that your team doesn’t just attend—they engage, reflect, and grow. With these five steps, you’ll create the conditions for a keynote that resonates long after the applause fades. This also helps your business or organization get the most for the investment in a mental health keynote speaker!

Bring Mental Health Conversations to Your Organization with a Psychologist and Speaker Who Truly Connects

When your team hears from a keynote speaker who understands mental health, they gain more than information. They gain tools, insight, and a renewed sense of connection. A well-chosen speaker can spark meaningful conversations that shift culture, deepen engagement, and support long-term well-being across your organization.

As a respected mental health keynote speaker, Dr. Stacy Reger offers presentations that blend clinical expertise with relatable storytelling. Her talks are designed to meet your team where they are—whether you're in healthcare, law, education, government, or any field where stress and burnout affect performance. Through her speaking and consultation services, she creates space for reflection, resiliency-building, and genuine learning, leaving audiences with actionable strategies they can apply immediately. Each event is thoughtfully crafted to fit the unique needs, challenges, and goals of your organization.

1. Take the next step toward a more engaged, supported team. Call (424) 262-1925 to schedule your keynote or workshop

2. Partner with an experienced mental health speaker in Los Angeles who brings both insight and approachability

3. Start creating conversations that strengthen resilience, connection, and workplace well-being.

Other Services Dr. Stacy Reger Offers in Los Angeles, CA

When a keynote speaker delivers mental health content with clarity and authenticity, teams walk away energized, informed, and ready to engage differently. Effective speaking doesn’t just share information—it creates momentum for change and equips audiences with tools they can use long after the event ends.

As both a psychologist and experienced mental health keynote speaker, Dr. Stacy Reger brings a depth of understanding that reaches well beyond the presentation itself. She creates environments where professionals, families, and community members can openly explore topics like resilience, well-being, and capacity while gaining practical strategies they can immediately apply. Her talks are crafted to break down stigma, strengthen connections, and provide concrete steps for improving mental health in everyday contexts.

Dr. Reger regularly presents on themes provided through her practice. These include medico-legal psychological evaluations, workers’ compensation assessments, neuropsychological testing and assessments, and presurgical evaluations. She draws on years of clinical expertise to translate complex concepts into accessible, relevant insights. Her extensive experience conducting evaluations, assessments, as well as individual psychotherapy and therapy for older adults, ensures her presentations remain grounded in real-world practice and informed by current science.

Beyond keynote engagements, she partners with organizations, attorneys, fiduciaries, and community groups through customized trainings, consultations, and educational workshops. To learn more about her perspective on mental health, leadership, and capacity-building, explore Dr. Reger’s blog for additional resources and insights.