title: Dilemmas in decision making for caregivers of cognitively impaired elderly persons.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to discuss issues that decision makers must consider when confronted with the dilemma of a cognitively impaired older person for whom they are responsible either informally (as family) or formally (as health care professionals). The article examines (1) the decision-making dilemmas faced by caregivers of older persons, (2) coordination necessary among decision makers, (3) legal criteria for incompetency, and (4) caregiver stress. The need for clarification of incompetency criteria for improved coordination among caregivers is suggested.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Weisensee
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Kjervik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007872:Legal Guardians; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States