If Ms Raitt's husband had a disease where staying home to take care of him would prolong his life, you might have a case, Cycle West.

However, the fact is that her husband will continue to deteriorate no matter what she does, and she needs to continue planning her own life. 

 Too often, the burden (and joy) of caregiving for a sick family member falls to the woman, who these days more often than not, is also working.

Whereas those with the financial means can afford to engage third party caregivers to assist in the home, those who cannot have to leave their jobs and more often than not find that when the family member dies that the door to re- employment has closed for a middle aged women. The woman is left without the family member, without a job and often struggles financially. With a spouse with Alzheimer's, she could be caregiving for an average of ten years.

If Ms Raitt is able to arrange for her husband's care, I see no reason for her to give up her own life.