A new website has been launched to help people support others to make their own choices – large or small.
Whaimana - Support My Decisions at www.supportmydecisions.nz was developed by Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People with input from the Office for Seniors and a community advisory group.
The site promotes supported decision-making as a positive, rights-based approach, said the Office for Seniors’ latest online newsletter.
“Whaimana - Support My Decisions offers practical guides and examples for families, friends, carers and service providers.
“Topics include choosing a supporter, gathering information and focusing on what matters most to the decision-maker,” the Office for Seniors said.
The new website said that everyone has the right to make decisions about their life.
“These decisions can be everyday choices, like what to wear. These decisions can be life-changing choices, like where to live.”
But it acknowledged that making decisions can be hard sometimes. “That’s why we often ask someone we trust for help. A friend might help you pick new glasses. A mechanic might explain the options for repairing your car. We get help, but in the end, we make the final choice.
“Some people might need extra support to help make decisions. Many things can affect people’s ability to make decisions,” said the website.
That could include people living with dementia, brain injuries, learning disabilities, mental distress, neurodiversity and different ways of thinking.
Supported decision-making means helping someone make their own choices, even if they need extra support, the website said.
This website aimed to support decision-making and how to use it – and was to be helpful for anyone, including decision-makers, family, whānau, friends, paid supporters, peoplewho have Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) or guardian roles, and advocates such as people who speak up for others.
“Let’s make sure that every New Zealander gets the support they need to make the decisions that matter to them.”
Find the website at: www.supportmydecisions.nz