3.1 Outline strategies for supporting individuals to make informed choices

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Outline strategies for supporting individuals to make informed choices.

Supporting individuals in making their own choices is a fundamental duty for care and support workers. It acknowledges each person’s right to independence, respect, and control over their lives. An informed choice means the individual makes a decision based on clear, relevant, and accurate information. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies to assist individuals in achieving this in a way that promotes their safety, dignity, and well-being.

Providing Clear and Accessible Information

To make informed decisions, individuals need access to accurate and easy-to-understand information. This means presenting options and explaining them in a way the person can comprehend. Consider the person’s communication needs and how they prefer to receive information.

Examples of how you can do this include:

• Using plain language without jargon.
• Providing information in different formats such as large print, braille, or audio recordings.
• Using visual aids like images, diagrams, or videos for individuals who find these more effective than written words.
• For individuals with limited English, offering translated materials or interpreting services.
• Breaking information into smaller, more digestible chunks to avoid overwhelming the person.

Listening to What They Want

Listening to the individual is essential. Show that you respect their opinions, preferences, and concerns. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts. Keep the conversation focused on their needs and values. Avoid imposing your own opinions.

Here’s how you can practise active listening:

• Make eye contact and show you are paying attention.
• Avoid interrupting when they are speaking.
• Ask clarifying questions to ensure you’ve understood them correctly.
• Summarise what they’ve shared to confirm you are on the same page.

Providing Neutral and Balanced Information

When explaining options, present all sides fairly. Avoid favouring one option over another or sharing your personal preference. Let the individual weigh the pros and cons based on their own views and priorities.

For instance, if an individual is deciding between staying at home with support or moving into a care home, outline the benefits and limitations of both options. This ensures they can compare and judge what suits their circumstances best.

Encouraging Independence

Supporting informed choices is part of encouraging independence. Avoid making assumptions about what is best for the individual. Instead, empower them to take control of their decisions and explore different possibilities.

Ways to do this include:

• Helping them identify their options rather than deciding for them.
• Respecting their right to make choices, even if you disagree with those choices.
• Teaching new skills, such as budgeting or meal planning, to give them greater control over their options.

Using Advocacy Services

Some people may struggle to make decisions independently due to communication barriers, disabilities, or mental health challenges. In these situations, you can suggest involving an independent advocate. Advocates can help individuals understand their options and ensure their voice is heard.

Advocacy is particularly important when individuals lack family or friends to support them. Advocates act in the person’s best interests while respecting their wishes.

Examples of advocacy services include:

• Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCA) for those who lack capacity to make specific decisions.
• Advocacy services for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Citizen advocates who assist with everyday issues.

Supporting Those with Limited Capacity

If an individual struggles to make their own decisions, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies. The Act protects people who cannot make certain decisions for themselves. It ensures decisions are made in their best interests while supporting them to remain as involved as possible.

For those with limited capacity:

• Provide extra time and support.
• Use visual aids or gestures to help them understand.
• Check whether they lack capacity or simply need assistance with decision-making in specific situations.

Promoting Choice Over Time

Making informed decisions can be challenging if someone feels rushed. Offering ample time to absorb information and consider their options helps reduce stress.

You can provide support by:

• Breaking decision-making into smaller steps.
• Giving opportunities to revisit the decision.
• Allowing individuals the option to change their mind later.

Advocating Their Right to Choose

Sometimes, others may try to influence a person’s decisions, such as family members or professionals. It’s your role to advocate for the individual’s right to make their own informed decisions. This means reminding everyone that their opinion is what matters most.

You can handle this by:

• Having private discussions with the individual about what they want.
• Explaining their right to make their own choices, even if those choices differ from others’ preferences.
• Reassuring family or others that their concerns are valid but that the individual has the final say.

Using Risk Assessments

Some choices may involve potential risks. For instance, an older adult may want to go for a walk alone, which could involve the risk of falling. Balancing safety with their rights is important.

You can support informed choices about risks by:

• Conducting a risk assessment to identify the potential dangers.
• Discussing these risks with the individual in clear, practical terms.
• Exploring ways to minimise risks while respecting their independence, such as providing mobility aids or arranging check-ins.

Being Patient and Flexible

Some people may need more time or extra support to make decisions. Patience is key. Be flexible in your approach and adapt the way you provide information based on the person’s unique needs.

For example, someone with dementia might struggle to remember details of their options. You could simplify the information, write it down, or repeat it as many times as needed.

Maintaining a Non-Judgemental Attitude

Even if an individual’s choice seems unsafe or “wrong” in your opinion, respect it. People have the right to live their lives according to their values and preferences. Do not allow personal beliefs to interfere with your support.

For instance, if an individual chooses to refuse a medical treatment you would have accepted, respect that decision. Continue supporting them in other ways without judgement.

Promoting Rights and Dignity

Remember that supporting informed choices ties into broader principles of human rights and dignity. Everyone has the right to make decisions about their life, provided they have the capacity to do so.

Promoting dignity involves:

• Always respecting the person’s decisions.
• Supporting their privacy during the decision-making process.
• Protecting their confidentiality if they share personal or sensitive information.

Involving Trusted Individuals

In some cases, individuals benefit from the input of trusted family members, carers, or friends. This can provide added reassurance and help them consider every angle.

You can involve trusted individuals by:

• Asking the person if they’d like someone to help.
• Encouraging discussions between the person and their loved ones about the decision.

It’s crucial to confirm that this support respects the person’s choices, rather than pressuring them.

Helping to Build Confidence

Some people lack confidence to make their own choices. By offering guidance, encouragement, and positive feedback, you can help build their self-esteem. This increases their ability to make informed decisions in the future.

Practical ways to build confidence include:

• Encouraging small steps toward decision-making, such as picking an outfit or meal.
• Praising them for making decisions, even if they’re small.
• Practising “what if” scenarios to prepare them for later challenges.

Recognising Cultural and Personal Differences

People’s decisions are influenced by their culture, religion, or past experiences. Acknowledge and respect these factors.

For example:

• Some cultures may value input from the family in decision-making.
• Religious beliefs might shape the individual’s choices about diet or medical treatments.

Being aware of their background helps you provide support that aligns with their values.

Using Technology If Appropriate

If the individual is comfortable using technology, it can offer tools to support decision-making. Websites, apps, and online resources may provide extra information or allow the person to communicate their wishes effectively.

For example:

• Video calling can involve distant family in discussions.
• Apps may help people with communication difficulties express their preferences.

Make sure any technological support matches their capabilities and doesn’t confuse them further.

Regularly Reviewing Choices

People’s preferences can change over time, especially if health or personal circumstances develop. Revisit choices occasionally and let them know they can update their decisions if needed.

Final Thoughts

Supporting someone to make informed choices involves providing clear information, respecting their autonomy, and giving them the tools they need to weigh options. It’s about encouraging independence while always listening to what matters most to them. By focusing on their individual needs, you can help ensure they feel valued, respected, and empowered in all aspects of their life.