Managing money: the path to independent choice-making

Living WELL, Sep 2004 by Suto, W M I, Clare, I C H, Holland, A J

Most people like to make their own choices, including those about their money and finances. However, many people with learning disabilities do not make these choices independently. Carers, family members and practitioners are often involved in this important part of everyday life.

This article looks at how people make ordinary choices about money. It describes a study of choice-making among a group of adults, half of whom had learning disabilities. It also considers what to do when someone finds it difficult to make choices. How can we identify an individual's strengths and weaknesses? How can we help people manage their money more independently?

Key discussion points

* The independence of all adults with the capacity to make choices should be respected.

* In order to find the balance between independence and protection, each individual's ability to make their choices should be respected.

* How can adults with a learning disability be helped to manage their money more independently?

Making choices in everyday life

Some choices involving money are made often, like which food to buy or whether to go out to the cinema for the evening. Other choices are made only occasionally, such as buying or renting a house. Whatever the financial choice, most of us appreciate being able to decide for ourselves. We like to spend our money in the way we think best. The importance of choice is recognised by the Government and others (Department of Health, 2001) and people with learning disabilities are being given more opportunities to make their own choices about money and other issues (Emerson et al., 2001).

However, there is still a long way to go. Many people, including doctors and other professionals, do not always think of people with learning disabilities as individuals. They assume that a person cannot make his or her own choices simply because s/he has learning disabilities (Suto et al., 2002). Moreover, a huge range of financial choices exist. Someone may have difficulty making one choice involving money, but find another easy. It is difficult to generalise about which financial choices an individual (or group of individuals) can or cannot make.

Sometimes people assume that someone who makes unusual or 'unwise' choices should not be allowed to make choices independently. However, this does not allow for real differences in values and personal preferences. For example, some people might consider it worthwhile and wise to save up all year to go on an expensive holiday. Others might prefer to spend their extra money on clothes or cigarettes. One person's preference is not wiser or 'better' than another's. It is just a matter of opinion.

Fortunately, these attitudes are becoming increasingly unacceptable (Wong et al., 1999) and they have been rejected in the Government's proposals to reform the law in this area (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2003). Today, the most popularly accepted view is that there should be a 'functional' approach to thinking about a person's ability to make choices. Anyone whose ability is sufficient should have the right to manage his or her money independently.

Karen's story shows that sometimes people who could make some financial choices are not given the opportunity to do so.

Karen's story

Karen has lived in a group home for the past few years. The other four residents there have severe learning disabilities and need a lot of support in their everyday lives. Karen also has learning disabilities but they are mild. She is more able than some people realise. Karen understands a lot but finds it hard to express this to others. It often takes a while before anyone understands what she is saying. Karen is a lively person and gets frustrated and upset when this happens. Another problem is that some people laugh at Karen because of her appearance. She has an uncommon hairstyle and likes to wear unusual clothes.

Karen enjoys and knows all about shopping for food. However, others often disagree with her choices, which are almost always sweet things. Also, they say it is too slow and embarrassing to go with her. The carers in Karen's home say it is quickest and easiest for them to sort out the residents' money themselves.

James's story shows how sometimes a person who lacks the capacity to make some financial choices is not given enough support and protection.

James's story

James lives by himself in his own house in a small town. James is proud of his independent lifestyle but gets quite lonely sometimes. When he feels bored, James goes round to see his next-door neighbour. He usually offers the neighbour a present of thirty pounds and asks if they can watch television together. The neighbour is always happy to accept presents from James and sometimes has time to watch a bit of television too. James can count and do sums well, but often forgets how much money he has. When he goes shopping, he usually finds that he has run out of money and can't buy everything that he needs. Because James does not know many people, no one was aware that he gave such a lot of money to his neighbour.