A Guide for Your Supporters

A Note to My Trusted Supporters

Thank you for being someone I trust to help me. This guide is to help you understand my wishes and to make your job as clear and easy as possible. When we are all on the same page, it makes difficult times much simpler.

Guidelines for My Supporters

Here are some simple rules that I ask you to follow. They are here to protect both me and you, and to make sure we always work together with trust and respect.

• Respect My Wishes: Always act according to the choices and values I have shared with you.

• Keep Honest Records: Write down any important decisions you make in a simple notebook. This helps everyone remember what was decided and why.

• Give Regular Updates: Keep me and other key family members informed about my care or money.

• Ask Me First: Involve me in decisions whenever it's possible. My voice is the most important one.

• Be Clear and Open: Share the reasons for your actions so everyone understands.

• Ask for Help: If you are ever unsure about something, it’s wise to ask a professional for advice.

Part 1: How We Will Work Together

How We Will Stay in Touch

It is important to have a plan for how we will talk to each other. This makes sure everyone stays up to date. Let's agree on what works best for us. We can plan for:

• Phone calls every week or two.

• Email updates every month.

• Family meetings every few months to talk about bigger things.

When We Will Review My Plans

My plans might change as my life changes, so it’s important to keep them current. We should plan to look at them together regularly. We can review them:

• Every year on a date that is easy to remember, like my birthday.

• After any big life changes, like a change in my health or my family.

Part 2: Making Decisions for Me

Involve Me in My Own Decisions

Whenever possible, please ask for my opinion and listen carefully. Even if I can't make the whole decision myself, what I think can help guide your actions. I want to be a part of my own life's choices for as long as I can.

How to Handle Disagreements

Even with a clear plan, you and my other supporters might one day disagree on a decision if I am no longer able to decide for myself. Here is how you should work through it.

Your goal must be to make a joint decision based on what is in my best interest. You should ask these questions:

• What would I have wanted? Look at my written plans and think about our conversations. My wishes are the most important guide.

• What is the least restrictive choice? Choose the option that gives me the most freedom and independence.

• Is this choice necessary? Think about if the decision is truly needed for my health or to keep my money safe.

If you have talked about these questions and still cannot agree, please seek professional advice from a doctor, a lawyer, or a support service to help you make the best choice for me.

Disclaimer: This guide contains general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.