Where do you stand on such a life and death topic? You aren’t dead but you can’t get well and they won’t let you die!

A lady I know is now facing death by Alzheimer’s (and related conditions). She has no idea where she is or what is going on around her. Doesn’t know family members. She is falling at least twice a day……it is against the law to restrain a person in a wheelchair with a belt, etc. NOW they want to take her to a “special hospital” and try “new drugs” that they say may bring back her cognitive abilities. The nursing home can’t handle her so what are the options for the family!? She has signed a DNR (do not resuscitate) paper.

At what point can somebody say…………this is it! We have to respect her DNR! Who will stand up and say this is insane to force this woman to continue living like this?

One possible option is to place her in Hospice care in one of the special units that many hospitals have. Hospice is there to keep the patient comfortable and out of pain (many definitions of that word)!

I took one of the first courses on Hospice 30 years ago. Back then we weren’t allowed in the hospitals unless a doctor gave permission. Times have changed!!!! Now Medicare covers Hospice care most of the time……..maybe even all of the time………….BUT it used to be only for “dying” people……….now they can work with patients for at least up to 2 years under special circumstances. At least here they can manage a patient’s “pain”.

We need to change some laws to respect the wishes of the dying and their families!

You don’t realize the situation until you LIVE IT YOURSELF……………and then is too late.

BE aware! Be proactive! Assist the living! Honor the weary! And honor those too sick to help themselves! That is the very least we should be able to do!