If your loved one is not awake or able to make decisions for themselves, the ICU care team will ask another person to help make treatment decisions. This person is called a substitute decision maker. Often, this person is an immediate family member such as a parent, spouse, or child, or another person who has been chosen by the patient in advance to make medical decisions on their behalf.
This person is expected to make decisions in accordance with what their family member would want under the circumstances. This is a difficult position to be in, but it is essential to ensure your loved one gets the care they would want.
What Could A Substitute Decision Maker Be Asked?
Choosing a Family Spokesperson
What would my loved one want done? Advanced Directives and Living Wills
Difficult decisions – Who can help?
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