This study says that it is unrealistic to expect your family to honor your wishes without regard to their own interests if you have a cognitive disability.
The researchers found that family decision-makers considered the cognitively impaired patient's wishes and interests. But they also took into account their own needs and preferences.
Factors influencing surrogate decision-makers included:
- Respect for the patient's input.
- The patient's prior wishes.
- Consideration of the patient's best interests.
- The surrogate's own wishes as a guide.
- The surrogate's religious and spiritual beliefs.
- The surrogate's own interests.
- Family consensus.