Thanks for the encouraging feedback. I’m sure there are others who both agree and disagree with this stance and sooner or later millions of people will have to make similar decisions as their aging loved ones are unable to decide for themselves.

I follow your blog and enjoy your articles.

I hope your readers will read the full piece, as there are many nuances.

It’s so hard to know when to make the decision, and the last years of my mother’s life – when she was no longer aware of issues – I stopped bringing her ballots. Same with my dad. Up until the time that they became unaware, I felt they had a rightto vote.

My mother’s vote was the complete mirror image of mine, and I guess I could have stopped that. But I knew how she wanted to vote, and I helped her fill in the circles she wanted, as she could no longer do that.

I did the same with an elderly friend who couldn’t see well, and brought a magnifying glass along, so he could study it. He trusted me, but I wanted to show him I filled in what he wanted. This, too, was the direct opposite of my beliefs (even more than my mother).

Caregivers have tough choices, and what rights elders lose – financial decisions, voting etc. – are tricky. You did a great job explaining your situation and I’m sure it will help others.
Carol Bradley Bursack
Minding Our Elders