What you should know about medical decision-making when your loved one with IDD turns 18?
Posted on November 19, 2025 10:24 AM
What you should know about medical decision-making when your loved one with IDD turns 18
When your child turns 18 in Georgia, the law now sees them as an adult. This means they are expected to make their own medical decisions.
Many adults with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) can make some or all their own choices, especially when they have support. But some adults with IDD may have trouble understanding medical information, communicating their wishes or giving informed consent.
As a family member or caregiver, you want to be sure your loved one’s health needs are met and that someone trusted can speak for them if they are not able. Understanding the options available in Georgia can help you choose the right level of support, while still respecting your loved one’s independence and dignity.
Why is it important to plan for health care decision-making at age 18?
When a medical situation comes up, health care providers need to know who is legally allowed to speak for the patient. Without legal documents, these providers may not be able to talk with you or allow you to make decisions, even if you have always cared for your loved one.
Having the proper legal paperwork helps:
Prevent delays during emergencies
Make hospital stays and appointments smoother
Ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored
Reduce stress for everyone
Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and helps protect your loved one’s health and safety.
What options do you have in Georgia for medical decision-making?
Georgia offers several tools for supporting adults with disabilities. Families are encouraged to choose the least restrictive option, meaning the option that gives your loved one as much independence as possible while keeping them safe.
Here are three main options:
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) means your loved one makes their own decisions with help. You might explain things in simpler words, use pictures, or give them extra time to think. Georgia does not have an official SDM legal form, but families often use this approach informally. It can work well for people who can make choices with guidance and may reduce the need for guardianship. Use this option if your loved one can participate in decisions with support.
Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care is a legal form that lets an adult with IDD name a health care agent (also called a medical power of attorney) and their wishes about medical care, including end-of-life decisions. It’s important to note that the designated health care agent may only step in if the person becomes unable to make or communicate medical decisions due to illness or an emergency. It cannot be used for routine appointments or day-to-day care decisions. This option works well for adults who can express basic preferences but need someone to step in during a medical crisis.
Guardianship in Georgia is the most restrictive option and should be used only when other supports are not enough. Guardianship is a court order from the probate court that gives someone the legal authority to make personal and medical decisions for an adult who cannot do so themselves. Types of guardianship include full guardianship, limited guardianship or emergency/temporary guardianship. The court always looks for the least restrictive alternative, so it helps if you can show that you tried other tools first. Guardianship may be right if your loved one cannot understand, express, or participate in medical decisions even with support.
What are your next steps?
Every family is different. Start by asking yourself:
Can my loved one make decisions with support?
Do they understand basic medical information?
Can they sign an Advance Directive?
Do they need someone to fully speak for them?
Then:
Talk with your loved one about what they want.
Review the least restrictive options first.
Gather the forms you may need.
Reach out to an attorney, the ADRC, or your local probate court if you need guidance.
Planning ahead now can prevent confusion later and ensures your loved one always has the care and support they deserve.
Where can you get help in Georgia?
Forms and rules can change, so it’s important to check current information. Good places to start include:
Georgia Legal Aid: www.georgialegalaid.org
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: www.gcdd.org
Local Probate Court: georgiacourts.gov/probate-courts
ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Connection): 1-866-552-4464 (option 2)
If this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Call us for guidance on how to get started and where to find the right support.