Tanj
Redefined comfortable middle class
- Mar 31, 2017
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Do Not Resuscitate?
My father is 100 years old. Late last year he was diagnosed with progressive dementia and certified incapable of looking after himself safely. As a result, I placed him into a very nice Aged Care facility. I am now his legal Guardian. Apart from dementia he is fit and well and on no significant medication.
Following a minor medical problem, the care facility realised that I had not given them a Care Plan – basically answers to a range of questions connected to potential end-of-life situations. Among a number of straightforward questions, there are three choices I needed to make which have clear ethical implications. Since my father is considered incapable of making this type of decision I have answered on his behalf.
The choices are:
1.CPR
- I do want CPR if it is medically appropriate
- I do not want CPR at all
2.Life Prolonging Measures (e.g. ventilator, dialysis, feeding tube, surgical intervention)
- I do want to be transferred to acute care for life prolonging measures if it is medically appropriate
- I do not want to be transferred to acute care for life prolonging measures
3. Life Prolonging Medical Support (e.g. antibiotics, fluids and medications)
- I do want to be transferred to acute care for life prolonging medical support if it is medically appropriate
- I do not want to be transferred to acute care for life prolonging medical support
How would you answer? (You can qualify your choices)
Let me be clear that I’m not looking for advice. I’ve already answered. I also answered similar questions a few years ago on behalf of my mother and my kids are aware of my personal wishes on these issues.
OB
Everything you describe I have with my mother for the last 5 years. I answered no to all of the above. She really died 10 years ago when my father did, and the child like unaware husk that remains is not "quality of life".
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