Decision Making Without Guardianship
HEALTH CARE AND FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING WITHOUT A GUARDIANSHIP
There are ways to make health care and financial decisions that do not involve a guardianship. Some are legal tools while others involve government programs, social services, and community supports. There are decisions you can make for yourself now while you understand your situation and in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Those decisions can take effect now or in the future. There are also decisions other people can make for you if you have not made any plans.
What’s right for one person and situation is not right for another. You can choose the way you prefer. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Although it’s hard to think about the possibility of becoming unable to make your own decisions, if you make plans you will have more peace of mind about the future and so will your family and friends.