Abbotsford Alzheimer’s patient loses right-to-die case, despite living will
Posted March 3, 2015 11:09 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER – The BC Court of Appeal has dismissed a bid from the family of an Alzheimer’s patient arguing she is being kept alive in a care home against her will.
Justice Mary Newbury says in a written ruling that 83-year-old Margaret Bentley is exercising her consent when she opens her mouth to accept food and water.
Bentley’s family has argued that she is being fed without her consent.
More than 20 years ago, Bentley wrote a so-called living will saying she did not wish to be kept alive artificially if her health deteriorated beyond the possibility of recovery.
Newbury says that despite being unable to speak or recognize family members, Bentley is still capable of deciding whether to accept or refuse what she’s being fed.
The former nurse has lived at a care home in Abbotsford since 2009.
