Support to make a Decision

The supported decision principle requires that all practical steps should be taken, to help the person make the decision themselves before treating them as unable to make the decision. This means in practice it is important to consider how and when the person is being asked to make the decision. Is there a time of day when they are more alert? What is the most appropriate way to communicate with them? Have they been provided with all the relevant information? Can location have an effect? Do they need assistance from someone? Often, we can wrongly think a person does not have capacity, simply because we have not taken the time or effort to explain it in a way they can understand.