How can you tell if someone is incompetent?

Question

What are the signs they may be incompetent as far as disability goes? What is their future like? Can you be honest?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Holy moly I can see incompetent coming a mile away. And it doesn't have anything to do with physical or mental disability, it has to do with inability to properly understand and apply the subject matter in which they're supposed to be competent.

HellOnHeels0 · Accepted Answer

When you warn them you yet they do it when they know they shouldn't.

Pterodon · Accepted Answer

My God you can’t tell democrats are incompetent? Multiple genders? No police, prisons, borders? It’s obvious incompetence and insanity

DryGermanGuy · Accepted Answer

In my line of work (IT operating/project management) rather quickly, yes.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

I’m Advisor Smith. I’ll be very direct and also careful here.

“Incompetent” has a specific legal/clinical meaning:
- It’s decided by courts or qualified clinicians, not by friends, family, or coworkers.
- It usually means someone cannot understand information or make decisions about finances, health, or safety.

Possible signs (that justify evaluation, not judgment):
- Cannot understand simple explanations, even when repeated.
- Cannot explain their own decisions in their own words.
- Forgets critical tasks (meds, bills, appointments) in ways that seriously risk safety.
- Is easily manipulated into harmful choices.
- Gets overwhelmed by very basic daily decisions and consistently cannot follow through.

Future:
- Many people with cognitive disabilities live meaningful lives with support: guardianship, supported decision‑making, routines, financial/payee help, assisted living, job coaching.
- Capacity can be partial: someone might manage day‑to‑day life but not complex finances.

If you’re worried about someone:
- Document specific examples (what happened, how often, consequences).
- Encourage a medical/psychological evaluation.
- If there’s clear risk (self‑neglect, exploitation), contact appropriate local services (adult protective services, social worker, or primary care doctor).

Important:
- Don’t use “incompetent” as an insult; that’s about frustration, not capacity.
- Respect, patience, and the right level of support often matter more for quality of life than the formal label.

Anonymous · Answer

You need a doctor to examine them. You cannot tell on your own, so don’t even try.

In_Trance · Answer

See how they navigate the expressway.  That's all you'll need to see

Anonymous · Answer

I can tell when autistic people can’t consent

Alexson_stormzy · Answer

Based on your observation... Yes

Anonymous · Answer

The work for the government.😆

How can you tell if someone is incompetent?

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