End of Life Issue

The United Kingdom and the US already have a wonderful organization who offer palliative care to the terminally ill, it’s called Hospice.  These nurses are the true angels of medical care and they aren’t directed by a government to provide this care but by loving families and compassionate doctors.

The idea of caring for the terminally ill began in the 11th century and was started in the United States in 1970.  Hospice is not a “death panel”.  It is the widom of families and medical professionals to recognize death is inevitable and there is dignity in dying and a time to say goodbye. 

When the elderly are terminal (and many times express a wish to die) placement of feeding tubes may prolong their life but with what quality of life?  As a seasoned long-term care nurse, I have seen residents live out their days in total anguish.  What is it about human nature that makes us strive to overcome it?  Why with our religious belief of Heaven do we choose not to let go?  It’s called selfishness.

There is only so much physicians, nurses, and medication can do.  People with endstage diseases most likely won’t survive an operation.  How much torture do we want to inflict on the dying?  Can we not call upon the professionals of Hospice to help the terminal die pain and anxiety free, with dignity?