Extending Autonomy for Health Care Preferences in Late Life |
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| Authors: | Kristie Cramer Holly Tuokko David Evans |
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| Institution: | 1. Experimental Neuropsychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, School of Psychology , Monash University , Victoria, Australia nellie.georgiou-karistianis@med.monash.edu.au;3. Experimental Neuropsychology Research Unit, Department of Psychology, School of Psychology , Monash University , Victoria, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Mechanisms for extending autonomy in financial and health care decisions (e.g., advanced directives) are being utilized more frequently. This study examined the hierarchy of documents completed, the characteristics of people completing these documents, the choice of surrogate decision-maker for health care decisions, and with whom health care decisions were being discussed in a sample of 661 persons 65 years of age and older. Comparison between people with and without documents in place suggested that cognitive impairment, level of education, and age were related to preparation of documents. Women were typically chosen as surrogate decision-makers, except in a sample of unmarried men. Surprisingly, participants reported discussing preferences for health care decisions with someone other than their preferred surrogate. There appears to be a need to promote discussion of health care preferences between care-receivers and preferred surrogates. |
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