Cognition, care homes and COVID-19: sacrificing minds to keep bodies alive

Abstract

The COVID-19 restrictions are described from my standpoint with my mother living in residential care. I argue that restrictions have saved my mother’s body, through destroying her mental capacity. The unstated assumption – live bodies justify sacrificed minds – are voiced. Her quality of life remains at an all-time low, with her body preserved only through the sapping of life’s relevance through a drastic reduction in meaningful contact with her family and loved ones. I believe that my mother never would have wished to be kept alive at this cost, but, unfortunately, she no longer has capacity to discuss such issues.