Whether it's a friend, a parent, grandparent or your partner, being chosen as someone's substitute decision-maker is an important responsibility. What does it mean to be someone's substitute decision-maker?
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VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Whether it's a friend, a parent, grandparent, or your partner, being chosen as someone's substitute decision-maker is an important responsibility. It means that you are there to make healthcare decisions for someone else should they become too unwell and can no longer make decisions themselves. It means that you have talked with them to understand what they would want and are trusted above all others to say what they would have preferred. It means that you need to understand what it means to be a substitute decision-maker.
So, put yourself in their shoes. Be open. Be ready. Be heard. Being open means listening to your loved one about their values and life goals. Understand as much as you can and respect those choices, even if this means putting aside your own beliefs. Being ready is about speaking up when you need to. It includes talking through potential issues with family members or even a partner whose views and preferences may differ from your own. And finally, being heard is about letting people know what your loved one would have wanted and speaking up if their values aren't being respected. To ensure you're heard, they may even wish to legally appoint you as their substitute decision-maker and document their values and preferences.
To help you understand what it means to be a substitute decision-maker, there is more information available online, or you can call for support and advice.
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