Episode 316: Empowering Choice: Inside the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support

In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rankin from Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning sits down with Penny Johnson of the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support to discuss an empowering alternative to conservatorship: supported decision-making. Families often assume that when a loved one needs help making important decisions, removing their legal authority is the only solution. Supported decision-making offers another path — one that allows individuals to receive guidance and assistance while still maintaining their independence and voice. In this conversation, we explore: • What supported decision-making means in practical terms • Who can benefit from this approach • How families can begin the process • The role of supporters and why their role is to assist, not control • How this model is helping individuals across Tennessee live more empowered lives At its heart, supported decision-making is about something simple but profound — honoring a person’s voice. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, professional, or someone planning for the future, this episode highlights how protection and independence don’t have to be opposites. This is Aging Starts Now, a podcast by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families plan wisely, protect independence, and age with confidence. If you live in Tennessee and would like to learn more about how our firm can help, visit us online or give us a call. Join us next week for another episode of Aging Starts Now. 🎧