It was quite surreal talking about someone you have known all your life and you saying that they cannot look after themselves anymore.

The professionals did make it as informal as possible, but it was still quite official and 'proper'.

http://www.mental-capacity.com/abouttheact/bestinterests/index.html

http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/moneyandlegal/legal/Pages/MentalCapacityAct.aspx