Supportive Decision Making

As a family caregiver, you may be asked to make decisions that impact the life of the person you care for. It is not easy to make decisions for another adult. You want to do what is best, and you want to do what you think the person wants and those factors do not necessarily result in the same decision. Increasingly, research demonstrates that people have better social and physical outcomes when they feel they have a say in decisions made about their lives. Supportive Decision Making is a method of making important life decisions in a way that the needs and wants of the person at the center of the situation have a say in the decisions that are made.

The information below was provided by the CT Supportive Decision-Making Coalition.

 What is Supported Decision Making?

Supported Decision Making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship and conservatorship that empowers people with disabilities and older adults to make their own decisions. When people use SDM, they work with family members, friends, or professionals who help them understand their situations and choices so they can make decisions that are best for them. Think about what you do when you need to make a tough choice or a decision about something you do not know much about or just want to “talk it out.” You may ask a friend or family member for advice or a professional for information. They help you think through the issues and the pros and cons of your choices. That way, you can understand your options and choose the one that is best for you. When you do that, you are using SDM!

Does SDM Eliminate Guardianship and Conservatorship?

NO! People who need guardians or conservators should have them. SDM just gives people and their families another option, and a way to avoid the court system, if they choose it.

Can People who use SDM Receive SSI and SSDI Benefits?

YES! There is no law, regulation, or policy that says people must be in guardianship or conservatorship to receive SSI or SSDI. In fact, the Social Security Advisory Board has called for greater use of SDM and more research into the benefits of SDM for people who receive Social Security benefits!

What are the Benefits of SDM?

• More Choice and Independence for Older Adults and People with Disabilities: When people choose to use SDM, they make their own decisions instead of having someone else make decisions for them.
• Better Quality of Life: Research has repeatedly found that older adults and people with disabilities who make their own choices – who are more self-determined – can have a better quality of life. For example: studies show that: people with disabilities who are more self-determined are better able to recognize and avoid abuse and, among people with similar abilities and limitations, those who made their own decisions were more likely to live independently, work, be active members of their communities, date, and marry than those who had people making decisions for them.
• Less Taxpayer Spending and More Public Resources: Every person and family who chooses to use SDM will save taxpayer funds and free up public resources that would have been used to establish and supervise their guardianship or conservatorship.