Who Makes the Decision to go to a Nursing Home - Essay Example

 Based on Coch’s experience, most of his patients look to him for the final decision. He positions it as “doctor’s orders.” If such is the paradigm, it takes away the emotions involved from the point-of-view of abandonment vs. capability to care. It objectifies the decision and makes it a part of elderly patient management (Frontline, 2006). Does the immediate relative have the right to decide? If the presence of a relative is available, then, by all means, should be consulted.

However, the primary medical professional still gets involved with the conversation, if at a minimum to provide a professional prognosis of the elderly’s medical condition, and if requested, can provide a professional medical opinion as an advocate (Frontline, 2006). In conclusion, the best decision will be made by the three players: the sensible elderly, the primary health provider and the primary caregiver relative. It should be a decision based on consensus, where all parties will agree to an objective – the level of quality for end-of-life.

References US Bureau of Census (2004). Current Population Survey: Living Arrangements 85+. Retrieved online on 02 May 2010 at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/cost/arrangement.html. US Bureau of Census (2010). Persons 65 Years Old and Over--Living Arrangements and Disability Status: 2007. Retrieved on May 2, 2010, from http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/population/elderly_racial_and_hispanic_origin_population_profiles.html Frontline (2006). Interviews with William Coch, M.D. Retrieved on May 2, 2010, at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/interviews/coch.html. Frontline (2006).

Interviews with David Muller, M.D. Retrieved on May 2, 2010, at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/livingold/interviews/muller.html.