RE: question for group

[Faye Jones]

Just my opinion.  Just being alert and oriented x 3 is insufficient evidence of the ability to make a sound judgment or decision.  Many dementia residents in the early and sometimes into moderate stages with the assist of appropriate medication can answer appropriately to questions r/t orientation and yet do not have the ability to organize their day and/or make appropriate decisions about their care and well being.  We see it everyday here and I deal with it in my personal life.  My mom has Alzheimer’s and is totally alert and oriented most of the time, can relate her past right down to word for word conversations but has to be supervised day to day or she would forget meals, wear the same clothes day after day etc.  I have to attend all MD visits etc cause she can’t manage her own health care decisions.  I use both orientation and decision making ability as a basis to determine resistance vs informed refusal.  To me the ability to refuse has in it the ability comprehend/process information given and understand the negative outcomes involved.    -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 9:00 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: question for group   In a message dated 2/5/2004 7:34:34 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Now we are wondering how long we would continue to mark that or is he resisting care (E4e)?  Remember, if he is alert and oriented, he can't be considered as "resisting care."