Who Should Decide? Residence Capacity Evaluation of a Cognitively-Impaired Older Adult Requesting an “Unsafe” Discharge to Home

Psychiatric consultations are often requeste determine decisional capacity for elderly patients with cognitive impairment who refuse a safe discharge, typically to a skilled nursing facility (SNF).1,2 The presumed benefits of discharge to a SNF include safety, reliable medical care, rehabilitation for those with hospital-related disabilities, and nursing care that includes assistance with activities of daily living. On hospital admission, family members may request discharge to a SNF. In executing this plan, staff may focus narrowly on physical safety instead of considering strategies to help the patient return home.

Source: Psychosomatics - March 22, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Naalla Schreiber, Tia Powell, Mary Alice O ’Dowd Tags: Case Report Source Type: research