substitute decision-maker

A substitute decision-maker (SDM) is a person who the law says can make personal care decisions for you if you’re mentally incapable of making them. This includes decisions about where you live, what you eat, getting dressed, washing and having a bath, and staying safe. If you have an attorney for personal care, they’re your SDM.

The Health Care Consent Act says who can be SDMs for health-care decisions. This includes decisions about medical treatments.