Which of the following is considered an alternative to conservatorship for a competent person?

Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment and healthcare decisions in the event that they become unable to communicate those wishes themselves. This option serves as an alternative to conservatorship because it empowers individuals to retain control over their medical choices without the need for court intervention or the appointment of a guardian.

By utilizing advance directives, a competent person can designate a healthcare proxy, specify which treatments they wish to receive or refuse, and provide guidance to healthcare providers and loved ones. This proactive approach ensures that their wishes are respected and honored, which is often the primary goal of conservatorship— to ensure that the individual's best interests are taken into account when making decisions.

While healthcare proxies, representative payees, and protective services also serve important roles in managing various aspects of care and financial management, they do not comprehensively address the full spectrum of personal healthcare decisions as effectively as advance directives do for a competent individual.