Decision-Making Authority for Family Caregivers of the Cognitvely Impaired Elderly

Abstract

The elderly population of the United States (U.S.) has increased and will continue to grow during the last decade of this century. According to Brody (1984), increases in the number of older people have led to an increase in the population of people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders. Brody indicated that prevalence rates of these disorders rise with age from 2% of the population in the 65 to 70 age group and to 22% in the over 80 group. Management of the patient with dementia has become a major consideration for community health nurses (CHNs). It has also become increasingly evident that it is neither possible nor practical to separate problems of the patient from those of family caregivers because in many cases, the day to day care of elderly demented persons becomes the responsibility of family members, many of whom are elderly themselves. Although most nurses are not legal experts, it is evident that knowledge of legal decision-making authority is, and will continue to be, invaluable as our aging population, who are at risk for development of cognitive disorders, continues to grow. Armed with this knowledge and strong assessment and counseling skills, CHNs can effectively counsel family caregivers regarding legal considerations which will affect the demented individual's future.