What is decisional capacity defined as in guardianship?

Decisional capacity is fundamentally defined as the ability to understand and appreciate the consequences of a decision. This involves not only grasping the factual information surrounding a choice but also comprehending the implications and potential outcomes associated with that decision. In the context of guardianship, it is crucial to assess an individual's ability to weigh options and make informed choices that reflect their values and preferences.

Understanding this definition is imperative because it helps determine whether an individual can make decisions independently or if they require assistance from a guardian. Assessing decisional capacity involves evaluating cognitive functions such as reasoning, judgment, and knowledge of the situation at hand, which all contribute to an individual's capacity to make meaningful decisions about their own life.

The other choices, while related to aspects of decision-making, do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of decisional capacity as it pertains to guardianship. For example, managing finances or communicating preferences are important skills but do not encompass the broader understanding and appreciation of consequences that are central to decisional capacity.