Empowering Individuals Through Collaborative Support
At IKOR of Western Pennsylvania, we believe in preserving the autonomy and dignity of individuals facing aging or disability-related challenges. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a person-centered approach that allows individuals to make their own decisions with the assistance of trusted supporters, rather than transferring decision-making authority to a guardian.
Empowering Individuals Through Collaborative Support
At IKOR of Western Pennsylvania, we believe in preserving the autonomy and dignity of individuals facing aging or disability-related challenges. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a person-centered approach that allows individuals to make their own decisions with the assistance of trusted supporters, rather than transferring decision-making authority to a guardian.
What is Supported Decision-Making?
SDM is an alternative to guardianship that enables individuals to retain their legal rights while receiving the support they need to make informed decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or professionals who assist in understanding options, weighing risks and benefits, and communicating decisions.
What is Supported Decision-Making?
SDM is an alternative to guardianship that enables individuals to retain their legal rights while receiving the support they need to make informed decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or professionals who assist in understanding options, weighing risks and benefits, and communicating decisions.
Our Role in Supported Decision-Making
IKOR’s multidisciplinary team—including Registered Nurse Patient Advocates, Personal Needs Coordinators, and Financial Advocates—collaborates to provide comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s needs. Our services in the context of SDM include:
- Assessment and Planning: Conducting thorough evaluations to understand the individual’s medical, psychosocial, environmental, and financial circumstances.(Medical Advocacy and Life Management)
- Education and Guidance: Helping individuals and their supporters understand available options and the potential implications of their choices.
- Coordination of Services: Facilitating access to necessary services and supports, including medical care, financial management, and community resources.
- Monitoring and Advocacy: Continuously monitoring the individual’s well-being and advocating for their preferences and best interests.
Legal Context in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law encourages using less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as SDM, recognizing the importance of individual autonomy. Courts are increasingly favoring arrangements that support individuals in making their own decisions, provided they have the necessary assistance.
Legal Context in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law encourages using less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as SDM, recognizing the importance of individual autonomy. Courts are increasingly favoring arrangements that support individuals in making their own decisions, provided they have the necessary assistance.
Benefits of Supported Decision-Making?
- Preservation of Rights: Individuals maintain their legal rights and autonomy.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Empowerment in decision-making can lead to increased self-esteem and satisfaction.
- Customized Support: Support is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
- Reduced Need for Guardianship: By providing appropriate support, the necessity for more restrictive measures like guardianship can often be avoided.
Learn More About SDM
To understand how Supported Decision-Making can be integrated into a comprehensive care plan,
visit our Medical Advocacy & Life Management Services page.
A Life Care Plan is a critical evaluation when an individual’s injury is so severe that they will impact the person’s ability to perform their activities of daily living. If an individual uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair for mobility, a Life Care Plan is in order. When a client already receives home care assistance either from a family member or a home care agency, a Life Care Plan Evaluation is beneficial to either Plaintiff or Defense attorneys.
We compile this information with researched, fact-based costs and provide a detailed report that includes:
- Injury and treatment summary
- Comprehensive Nursing Assessment of current status and medical care
- Projection of future medical needs
- Tables of specific cost information for future care and quality of life needs
The following types of circumstances warrant a Life Care Plan Evaluation:
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Amputation
- Burns
- Chronic Pain
- Pediatrics
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spina bifida
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other injuries and disabilities
- Aging-Related Concerns
- Dementia/ Alzheimers
- Records Review, & Medical Chronology
- Catastrophic Case Management & Vocational Rehabilitation
For more information or to schedule a no-cost consultation, please contact us at (855) 456-7972 or visit our Contact Us page today!
Services / Supported Decision-Making