Decision Support Service: My Decisions, My Rights
The Decision Support Service (DSS) is for adults who may require help, now or in the future, to exercise their right to make decisions about personal welfare, property, or affairs.
The DSS is provided for under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act), which will finally become operational law when Ministerial orders are signed later today. The DSS is an essential service for all adults who may have difficulties with decision-making capacity. This could include adults with an intellectual disability, a mental illness, an acquired brain injury, or those with neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia.
Estimates suggest that there could be as many as 220,000 people living in Ireland who have capacity-related difficulties and who may become users of the DSS. Based on the above figure, it is estimated that one in 20 adults could have an active arrangement registered with the DSS, and that one in every two people will interact with the DSS in their lifetime.
As anyone could face challenges with decision-making in their future lives, the 2015 Act also provides new tools for any adult who wishes to plan ahead by way of an advance healthcare directive, or a revised form of an enduring power of attorney. The DSS can also support people to plan for the future by utilising these tools.
A core principle of the Act is that all persons have the presumption of capacity and should be supported to make their own decisions as far as is possible. The Act emphasises minimal restriction of a person’s rights and freedoms and the importance of respect for will and preferences.
Hear from our service champions; Margaret, Helen, Paul, Padraig, Blessing, Lydia, Florin, Justyna and Fionn. Our Champions share their person stories in regards decisions they have made in their lives and overcome challenges.
For more information on the Decision Support Service please see https://www.decisionsupportservice.ie/
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