Death with Dignity
What do we mean by "Death with Dignity"?
Many people do not understand what this means. It seems to be a phrase that only those who have watched loved ones die, or those of us that work in the medical field truly understand. I know, that prior to my eye opening experiences…I would have had no clue.
I’ve heard it said way too often, that we treat animals with more respect when it comes to end of life care than we treat humans. Unfortunately, there are times when I think this is true. The exceptions might include when one is fortunate enough to be involved with a hospice program, have their pain under control, are not just lingering, and be able to exert personal choice in the matter.
Though the citizens in the state of Oregon have voted for the Death with Dignity act…TWICE, it is now being challenged by the Bush administration, who has asked the courts to overturn this voter approved law.
Regardless of how you feel about Death with Dignity…know this…we all die. Think about it before hand. Draw up a Advanced Directive, assign a trusted person as your Health Care Power of Attorney, and make any other arrangements now. It may be the only choice you will have regarding the end of you life.
Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP
OlderWiserWomen.com
Many people do not understand what this means. It seems to be a phrase that only those who have watched loved ones die, or those of us that work in the medical field truly understand. I know, that prior to my eye opening experiences…I would have had no clue.
I’ve heard it said way too often, that we treat animals with more respect when it comes to end of life care than we treat humans. Unfortunately, there are times when I think this is true. The exceptions might include when one is fortunate enough to be involved with a hospice program, have their pain under control, are not just lingering, and be able to exert personal choice in the matter.
Though the citizens in the state of Oregon have voted for the Death with Dignity act…TWICE, it is now being challenged by the Bush administration, who has asked the courts to overturn this voter approved law.
Regardless of how you feel about Death with Dignity…know this…we all die. Think about it before hand. Draw up a Advanced Directive, assign a trusted person as your Health Care Power of Attorney, and make any other arrangements now. It may be the only choice you will have regarding the end of you life.
Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP
OlderWiserWomen.com
posted by BarbaraC. Phillips, NP | 9:48 PM
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