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An 86-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department due to a worsening cough and fatigue and is found to have pneumonia. The physician explains the diagnosis and treatment plan, including admission and intravenous antibiotics. The patient replies, "I’d' prefer to leave. I’m more comfortable at home." She asks to be discharged with oral antibiotics. The physician explains that intravenous antibiotics are preferred and that the risks of worsening infection may include sepsis and death. The patient appreciates the risks involved and still wishes to go home. She does not have an advance directive. Her son, who lives with her, says she must stay in the hospital for treatment. She has no other children and has been separated from her husband for the past year. Medical history includes mild cognitive impairment and hypertension. On mental status examination, the patient is fully oriented. She has no suicidal ideation, although she states that she is not afraid of death "if it is my time." It is most appropriate for which of the following people to make treatment decisions for this patient?