Decision-Maker Support
Being legally appointed to help or make decisions for another person can be difficult.
A legal document or court order may describe what authority a decision-maker has, but it may not explain how to navigate the practical realities of dementia, mental illness, health-care decisions, care placement, family conflict, financial vulnerability or changing capacity.
Decision-Maker Support provides access to an experienced Registered Nurse and Capacity Assessor for clinical consultation and decision-making support.
Who Is This Service For?
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An agent under a Personal Directive
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An attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney
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A guardian
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A trustee
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A co-decision-maker
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A family member preparing to assume one of these roles
How Support Can Help
Understanding Changes in Capacity
Changes in health, cognition, mental state, medication, environment or illness may affect how a person makes decisions. Consultation can help identify when a change warrants further clinical review or formal reassessment.
Preparing for Health-Care and Care-Planning Meetings
Support may include identifying key questions, organizing relevant information, clarifying concerns, preparing for care conferences and recognizing issues that require further professional input.
Understanding the Person Behind the Decision
Decision-makers may need to consider the person’s known wishes, previous instructions, values, beliefs, preferences, quality of life, current abilities and degree of ongoing participation.
Navigating Mental Health Concerns
Consultation may be useful when concerns involve psychosis, suspiciousness, mood disorder, behavioural change, addiction, treatment refusal, impaired insight, fluctuating presentation or conflict between autonomy and safety.
Financial Vulnerability
Attorneys and trustees may seek consultation about scams, unusual transactions, repeated losses, possible exploitation, significant gifts, pressure from others or changing ability to manage financial risk.
Service Options
One-Time Consultation
For a specific question, decision or situation.
Complex Case Review
A more detailed consultation involving relevant documents, clinical information and decision-making concerns.
Ongoing Decision-Maker Consultation
For guardians, agents, attorneys or trustees managing a complex situation over time. Scope and frequency are agreed upon in advance.
Professional Boundaries
Decision-Maker Support does not:
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Replace the appointed decision-maker
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Assume the legal authority of an agent, attorney, guardian or trustee
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Make the decision on the client’s behalf
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Provide legal advice
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Provide investment or accounting advice
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Replace the person’s treating physician or health-care team
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Provide psychiatric diagnosis or emergency psychiatric treatment
Working With Other Professionals
With appropriate consent and authority, consultation may involve collaboration with physicians, lawyers, social workers, continuing-care teams, pharmacists, psychologists, occupational therapists, financial professionals and community support providers.
The purpose is not to replace these professionals. It is to help the decision-maker understand the clinical and capacity-related issues and participate effectively in the process.