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Alzheimer`s Disease/ending it
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Question
My Dr.agrees that igmu36f I have signed a health care directive
ordering my proxy to stop food and fluids to me when I am terminal with Alzheimers, using only palliative care during dying in a Hospice,the decision moves from him to the proxy for legal purposes. We agree that any person with Alzheimers and unable to make decisions IS terminal by definition.My proxy is protected by the directive I have signed. Do you agree? Comments, Thank you
Bill
Hi Bill.
You asked me a very similar question about four months ago.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alzheimer-s-Disease-1005/2008/4/food-fluid.htm
As then, I don't believe that care facilities would define a person who is mentally incompetant due to Alzheimer's as "terminal" just because they have Alzheimer's, particularly if physically they were well and might have a remaining lifespan of several years.
I expect most places would as minimum expect the person to meet the hospice qualification criteria for dementia patients before they would institute palliative care. The criterion usually include an expected life span of 6 months or less, as evidenced by a pattern of severe weight loss, repeated infections, and being bedridden to the point they can no longer hold their heads up.
Mary G.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Sorry to bother you again Mary. I remain troubled by friends in wheelchairs, need to be fed and diapered and don't recognize even family 90% of the time, can't speak much but look almost healthy with no chance of recovery. But I thank you for answering again. Bill A also an Expert-subject American History-the Holocaust. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Mary Gordon
Expertise
Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Experience
Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!
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