If the client has difficulty expressing their wishes, what is the guardian's next step?

When a client struggles to articulate their wishes, the guardian's role is to prioritize the client's autonomy and voice. By actively engaging with the individual to support and facilitate their ability to express their goals, the guardian demonstrates a commitment to honoring the person’s preferences to the greatest extent possible. This involves using various communication methods or tools, prompting discussions, or creating a comfortable environment where the client feels safe to share.

In situations where individuals have communication barriers, it is crucial for guardians to be patient and innovative in helping them convey their thoughts and desires. This step not only respects their rights but also strengthens the guardian-client relationship and aligns with best practices in guardianship that uphold the principle of promoting self-determination.

Other choices may not adequately reflect this client-centric approach: consulting a legal advisor might be necessary in certain circumstances but does not address the immediate need to understand the client's wishes; making a decision on their behalf bypasses the client's input entirely and can undermine their autonomy; contacting the family could be appropriate for gathering additional insights, but it should not replace the effort to engage the client directly.