PUBLIC LECTURE: UWA Albany Public Lecture

Supported decision-making focuses on assisting and enabling a person’s ability to make decisions relevant to their life. While supported decision-making has been explored in the context of intellectual disability, acquired brain injuries and mental illness, this is the first project in Australia to specifically investigate the approach among people with dementia. Project lead investigator Dr Craig Sinclair said “The research has revealed some powerful experiences on the importance of maintaining involvement in decision-making. As one of our research participants put it – ‘I want to stay involved, I don’t want to be anonymous’.” This public lecture explores the findings from this three year research project, along with a range of principles and strategies for people who are supporting others in making decisions. The researchers have recently launched a national policy guideline document for aged care providers on supported decision-making, along with a range of training materials, videos and a guidebook for people in the community. These resources are available at http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/cdpc/resources/supported-decision-making.php.