Two basic ideas
a. Substituted judgement
b. Best interest for patient
Issues:
o Bias. Personal interests may interfere with the ability to make the decision that the patient may have wanted.
o Unclear what the person may have wanted.
o Guilt
o Competing interests
o Not understanding the medical situation
Benefits
o Patient Autonomy
o Lessens burden on decision maker
o
Alzheimer’s association – support groups and resources.
Work through this concept ahead of time.
Understand what you are supposed to do as the POA.
Hospice and ombudsmen can help families with these decisions.