End of Life Decisions for Terminally Ill Seniors
End of Life decisions for Seniors
There are many decisions that need to be made as people continue to grow older. Seniors are placed in a position where they need to plan for medical care. They also are gaining support from many who believe individuals have the right to decide if they want to be kept alive during a medical treatment. Terminally ill seniors should have this choice. The following list contains some information on this topic.
1. 84% of Americans believe seniors should have a choice whether they live or die when they have a terminal illness.
2. 22% of nurses and doctors feel that everything should be done in order to keep the senior alive, despite their wishes.
3. Seniors should put their wishes in writing. This is one way to make sure that doctors are aware of what the senior wants if they are unable to make decisions at any time during treatment.
4. Many Americans believe family members should have a say in the end of life decisions that pertain to a loved one.
5. In most cases, older women are more apt to discuss these wishes with family members. It is important for all seniors to express their desire about what should happen to them during the course of treatment for a terminal illness.
Source: Pew Social Trends
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
