Background

Sam is undergoing treatment for a malignant stomach ulcer and has a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. A few weeks into his treatment, Sam has come to see his GP, Dr MacDonald, to review his regular medication.

During the consultation, Sam and Dr MacDonald are discussing his cancer treatment. Sam says to Dr MacDonald that, if his condition worsens, he doesn’t want to be kept alive by machine (eg medical life support).

Dr MacDonald says that this may be a good time to start thinking about his care in the future. She explains to him that as his Alzheimer’s disease progresses, he may be less able to make decisions for himself. Sam acknowledges this and says that it has crossed his mind but that he hasn’t put any formal arrangements in place yet.

Dr MacDonald asks Sam whether he would like anyone else to make those decisions on his behalf in the future, if he is no longer able to do so himself. Sam pauses and explains that he’s close with both of his children but that he and his son don’t always see eye to eye. He says that his daughter, Katy, is more likely to know what he’d want. He asks whether Dr MacDonald could write down Katy’s name for reference in the future.