I recently read an article about discussions about 'What If?' situations and discussion about what your wishes will be at the end of your life. It was interesting! The Institute of Medicine came out with a 500-page report earlier this week urging more conversations and action surrounding end-of-life care.
The Institute of Medicines (IOM) “Dying in America” report says Americans should start having end-of-life conversations much earlier, even when a teenager gets their first driver’s license at 16.
Oregon has been out front of other states in this area, with a program developed in 1991 to ensure the wishes of those with advanced illness or frailty are followed. Called "Physicians Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment", the form allows people to express their wishes about the level of care they receive. “It is a tool that would help any of the problems they’re discussing,” she said.
Most Americans haven’t documented their wishes for end-of-life care. A national survey in 2013 found that fewer than 30 percent have done so!! The report also found gaps in the health care system for patients at the end of life including very few doctors specializing in palliative care and inadequate support for dying patients.
We never want to have these discussions..After all, we are having a great time living today, right? But in a split second, you can be clinging to life and unable to express if you are in severe pain or what you want to do. Once you end up in the ER, the Healthcare Team has one focus: To try to save your life...at ANY cost and ANY quality. After the ER, you end up with a situation that, if not properly discussed and written down can be something your would never agree to. Asking the right questions, and thinking hard and long about what you really want can make all the difference...for you AND your family.
