The right to choose to die

Witzend

I’ve said this before on here, but one thing we can all do is to add a paragraph to our Health and Welfare Power of Attorney, to say that in the event of our being unable both to care for ourselves, and speak (with full mental capacity) for ourselves, we do not want any life-saving or life-prolonging treatment. Palliative care only, please.

If this is not in writing, but our children (or whoever holds the POA) is aware of our wishes, is that enough, do you know?

At the age of 64, I am reluctant to commit to something like this in case there is a chance that I might recover and have years of life, but if there is no chance of that and I am not able to speak for myself I'd like to think that they would be listened to if they advocated for me.

In later life I may well have a clause added to my POA document.

I’ve said this before on here, but one thing we can all do is to add a paragraph to our Health and Welfare Power of Attorney, to say that in the event of our being unable both to care for ourselves, and speak (with full mental capacity) for ourselves, we do not want any life-saving or life-prolonging treatment. Palliative care only, please.

I so agree with the view that we should be allowed some agency at the end of our lives. Life at any cost is not life and we need a change in the law to allow a peaceful end for those who have had enough of living.

My elderly Aunt (96) has recently suffered a stroke which has left her with sundowners syndrome. She has been in hospital for about a month. She lives with her son, who has bad arthritis and mental issues which means he cannot deal with people at a social level although intelligent and functions very well otherwise.

There is nothing more that the hospital can do. My aunt is now paralysed down one side and suffers very badly from very painful arthritis. Sundowners syndrome has left her very agitated and at times hallucinates largely at night -although at other times she appears reasonably ok . But she is very unhappy now.

She is being sent home with carers coming in 4 times a day. I can’t see how my cousin can possibly cope, because her disruptive behaviour happens all night - he will never get any rest. The social worker said that he would closely monitor the situation🤔. We shall see.

My aunt throughout her life has always maintained that she would follow the road to euthanasia if she could be given the choice. This is just the sort of scenario that she would have envisaged.

Life is very cruel at times.

Sending loving thoughts to those going through this painful time.

I refused active care for my OH when he was so ill. His end of life care was good and I do not think he was in any pain - the merest hint of distress and he was given a calming injection and he drifted off again. It was a peaceful time for us all, and we were able to sit round his bed and share memories knowing that he was in no distress and that the end would come soon.

Franbern

I wuld NEVER impose voluntary euthanasia on anyone who felt it was against any religious, etc faith they may hold., Just do not understand why they can impose their ideas on me and mine.

That's exactly my view, Franbern.

So sorry Franbern and Adrisco that you are in this heartbreaking situation.

I wuld NEVER impose voluntary euthanasia on anyone who felt it was against any religious, etc faith they may hold., Just do not understand why they can impose their ideas on me and mine.

The way I see it is that people of faith can decide not to opt in if they don't want to, but those without shouldn't be restricted because of the faiths of others. I would never support compulsory euthanasia, and can't see that ever being on the table, but IMO it should be an option for those who want it.

Sorry, I meant to add that we can’t exclude people from a national discussion because we anticipate they won’t support our own point of view. My vica friends are more familiar with death and dying than most of us

Dalit, the national discussion has to include faith leaders, along with representatives of the public, medical, ethical and legal professions
Although an increasingly secular country, we still have a majority who follow different faiths.
Some faiths believe life must be preserved at all cost. Other faiths do not share that and do believe we need to help people at the end of their lives, to make their own choice.

Salti

I agree that this is an emotive subject but I see no reason to involve faith leaders in this discussion.

I agree, health professionals and the family, preferably with written directions (signed and witnessed by a solicitor) from the patient.
The Solicitor would confirm that the person is in a sound state of mind at the time of making the declaration.
We could all then plan ahead and it could be filed with our POAs and Wills.
I think that Faith leaders will always be against it. It’s time that we make our own decisions.

I agree that this is an emotive subject but I see no reason to involve faith leaders in this discussion.

I’m so,so sorry Franbern and adrisco. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, my heart goes out to you.

It’s a very emotive subject. I agree with Iam - we need a grown up informed discussion about this, all sides taking part - faith leaders, palliative care professionals etc.

My mother knew she was dying, she used to say, ‘They shoot horses, don’t they?’ So sad. She should have had that choice.

I completely agree with you Franbern.. we should have the choice..

So sorry Franbern

I agree the law does need to change.

Poppyred

I totally agree. It’s the stuff of nightmares and the law needs to be changed!

I won't go into great detail about the death of my parents but it really was the stuff of nightmares....
After my mum's death my brother had to be sedated and to this day, he'll still wake at night.
My dad was screaming...staff kept saying "he's not in pain" but nothing will persuade me otherwise, that lasted for 12 days.

It's horrendous...

I totally agree. It’s the stuff of nightmares and the law needs to be changed!

Get a tattoo that says DNR

Franbern I’m so sorry. I agree that people should be able to choose to end their lives when they want to in this country.
Thinking of you both

Sorry. Franbern

Franzen and Adrisco My heart goes out to you both. My mum was in hospice and in huge pain.
I just wanted it to end.
I'm so very sorry. I asked the Hospice Dr to give her enough medication , even though, I was told ,it would end her life. This was just over 20 yrs ago.
You are in my thoughts and so hope your pain , and theirs, will end soon. X

I wrote to our local MP, Liam McArthur about this - as suggested by www.dignityindying.org.uk/assisted-dying/not-campaigning-for/ The bill - www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-assisted-dying-for-terminally-ill-adults-scotland-bill is going through the Scottish parliament now.
I also read this recently: www.google.co.uk/books/edition/In_the_Midst_of_Life/RLEGcBF4YlsC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover - very thought provoking.