What impact does having a guardian have on a person's decision-making authority?

Having a guardian significantly restricts a person's decision-making authority. The primary role of a guardian is to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so due to various reasons, such as mental incapacity, illness, or age. This arrangement is intended to protect the individual's well-being and interests, as they may not be able to make informed choices for themselves. Consequently, the individual's ability to make legal, financial, or medical decisions is either limited or completely transferred to the guardian, thereby reducing their autonomy in these areas.

It's essential to understand that the guardian's decision-making power is meant to involve the best interests of the person they are looking after, but it certainly results in a decrease in that person's independent decision-making capability. This is a critical component in guardianship cases when assessing the needs and protections for the individual involved.