Hillbilly wisdom: we have all witnessed the person that is trying hard to fit in. Acceptance by the group or peer pressure causes people to try harder and do things that are sometimes not well thought out. Open mouth, insert foot and chew well. This is part of growing up, of becoming confident, of being a part of society- being comfortable within ones skin. This phenomenon can occur at any point during our lifetime but is more pronounced early and late. The young know but outgrow it. Youth is “an awkward stage” but it is temporary and passes. It is a time of learning.

The elderly, no fault of theirs, sometimes do not know. They appear lost. Thus far, modern medicine does not have the answers. They need help but don’t want to accept help. They are in denial. When everyday decisions have a large impact upon the quality of life of others something has to be done. For example, there comes a time when driving is not safe.

The problem increases when the person is in a position of responsibility. When decisions they make have far reaching impacts. They cannot remember what was said. They simply forget.

How do you help someone when you can’t know what they know? Is it short term? Helping is not as simple as hiding the car keys. You are there because they trust you to do the right thing but that does not make the healthcare decisions any easier.