No. of Recommendations: 5
I helped hospice at home both of my parents. Many of us have gone through this and appreciate being able to share the benefit we give our loved furry friends of a graceful exit out. I am encouraged by the ongoing legislation I see happening, state by state, to allow us the same benefit here in the US. I hope that it will be available when it is my time. No way I want to put my kids through what I experienced during hospice for my parents.
I didn't realize how compassionate the Canadians were in this regard. Thanks for sharing.
IP
I kind of only glanced at this thread so apologies if I misinterpreted it. My wife was telling me how the mother of one of her friends doesn't want to live anymore. The doctor said there really isn't anything major wrong with her so she isn't likely to die of natural causes anytime soon. I've heard a few stories like that. Most people don't want to suffer, others don't want to be a burden on anyone.
Of course it is easier for someone who isn't in any serious medical issue to say "I don't want to become a burden to anyone, etc. and would rather end my life when it gets close to that point" than actually go through with it. I can think of a number of medical issues I wouldn't want to live through but then again, would I have the courage to actually end my life? Wouldn't be an easy thing to do for most people.
My mother went through a very rare disease for about 8 years as it slower took away her ability to walk, show facial expressions, and eventually eat. It had to be terrible for my father who was there virtually every day in his prime retirement years. In my father's case, mentally he had no issues (with memory), but eventually his body slowed down and I think he no longer wanted to fight things medically since he was tired of getting home, getting sick, hospital, outpatient recovery/rehab, home and repeat. He didn't see a way out of it (sadly). I wished I was around more often but instead was frequently living out of state although I moved back and I thought he had longer than he did (only about 6 months).
Right now it seems like we are at a point where medicines can keep people along longer than their body can function adequately for self care. Both of my brother in laws have their mother in laws living with them and are mostly wheelchair bound and one is not doing well memory wise. Both are in their 80s. Fortunately my uncle (85) is fine mentally and so far physically (2 hip replacements) but isn't interested in any other major surgeries.
When younger I often thought the bad part of aging was getting old in looks or slowing down physically. I didn't realize how tough mentally it is for people aging as they see their friends, spouses and other family age, suffer and pass away. It isn't easy for most people.
Rich
