To make informed choices, people need information.
No matter how simple the decision or capable the decision maker, the provision of relevant information is essential for any type of decision making. They may also need encouragement, confidence and support.
Here are some examples:
Sonny likes choosing what to have in his sandwiches at lunchtime. To make that decision Sonny needs to know what food is available.
If Sonny chooses cheese but he has a dairy allergy, he needs to understand the consequences of that choice.
You will also need to consider whether the person has mental capacity.
This information will be on the care plan, however, you will need to be able to identify if what is written on the care plan about capacity has changed. If they have limited capacity, they may need simple choices with a couple of options rather than lots of different options.
Sandra has been diagnosed with a medical condition where there are various treatment options.
As this decision is more complex and concerns consent to medical treatment, a specialist consultant will need to explain the options, what is involved in the treatments, why it is considered necessary and the consequences of each option.
A useful thing to think about when you are supporting an individual to make a decision, stop and think… “If it was me, what would I need and want to know to make a decision?”.
If you have any concerns or feel unable to support an individual in a decision making progress, speak to you manager.
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