What is the guardian's responsibility under NGA's least restrictive alternative principle?

The choice related to ensuring the person meets their needs with priority aligns with the principle of least restrictive alternative as articulated in the National Guardianship Association (NGA) guidelines. This principle emphasizes that guardians must support individuals in a way that respects their autonomy and personal preferences while still ensuring their safety and well-being.

Under this principle, guardians are encouraged to provide the necessary support for individuals to live their lives in the least restrictive environment possible. This means that the guardian's actions should focus on enhancing the individual’s ability to meet their personal needs, whether those be medical, emotional, or social. The aim is to empower individuals, allowing them to maintain as much control over their lives as possible, rather than imposing excessive limitations or controls.

In contrast, the other options focus on more restrictive measures, which do not align with the essence of the least restrictive alternative principle. Limiting social interactions or enforcing strict rules for safety can infringe on individual autonomy, and making all decisions unilaterally undermines the collaborative approach that this principle promotes. Therefore, prioritizing the individual's needs while fostering independence is the correct understanding of a guardian's responsibility under this framework.