Let's Think About It Again

Determining Decision-Making Capacity

Case Study

Mrs. T. is a 65-year-old woman with a Palliative Performance Scale score of 60% and dementia (FAST scale 6b). She lost her husband of 30 years 6 months ago, and the adjustment has been difficult for her. She has been grieving and often finds herself avoiding socializing with friends. She is getting more forgetful. Her daughter lives 2 hours away and visits every weekend. At a recent visit, she found the stove had been left on by her mother. Her mother refuses to leave her home and move in with her daughter or into an assisted living. How should this case be approached?

You have reached a members only page. To read the full text, members must login using the “login” button below.

Not a member? Join AAHPM to gain access to full articles, member discounts, and the AAHPM Connect discussion community.