29/01/2026
Supported Decisions Mean Their Voice Still Matters 🧠💬
Supported decision-making means helping people — including those living with dementia or cognitive impairment — to make their own choices, instead of having decisions made for them.
With the right support, a person can:
• Understand information in simpler, clearer ways
• Take more time to consider options
• Use visual cues or familiar language
• Involve trusted family members or carers as supporters
• Express preferences about care, daily routines, and wellbeing
For people with cognitive impairment, supported decision-making helps protect dignity, independence, and confidence, ensuring their values and wishes remain central — even as needs change.
Support can come from trained professionals, family members, carers, and community organisations. Practical tools and guidance, such as the Supported Decision-Making Toolkit, are also available to help families and caregivers put this approach into practice.
🔗 Download the Supported Decision-Making Toolkit:
https://opan.org.au/supported-decision-toolkit/
At MindAge Dementia Care (健腦坊), we believe support should empower — not replace — a person’s voice.