AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have a master's degree in bioethics which inlcudes medical and research ethics. In addition to a law degree, I have a doctorate of philosophy in comparative ethics involving medicine, law and business. I also am an Adjunct Professor at a medical school.
I can answer questions related to the ethics of withholding, instituting or withdrawal of life support.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 plus I have a master's degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics. I am also an Adjunct Professor at a medical school where I teach current providers and students medical ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice
Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosphy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Hi,
My Mam, who is 78 this yr has been gradually going down hill, (mentally) since 2000 when my Dad died. Two years ago my Dad's sister died, and I think this brought back all the emotions of my dad dying. Now one of my Mam's oldest friends has died and this I think has had a terrible effect on her.
She was diagnosed with a small bleed in the brain after a fall a few yrs ago. She has also being falling a lot. This we think is due to her not wanting to eat a balanced diet. All she will have is porridge, biscuits, and cake. My Mam's sister says she's loosing weight, which she is. We've tried to cook meals for her and take them over, but she either puts them in the freezer, or gives them to my brother's when they go for tea. I take her out for a bit of exercise to make her hungry, so she will maybe eat something with more substance to it like a small dinner. But she goes into a mood and just asks for cake or buns or kit-kats.
My mother is so week now she just wants to sit in the chair all day and stare into the sky or watch tv. I have tried to make her see sense, to no avail. This in turn makes me really cross, I then shout at her because all she does is stick her tongue out at me This is because she’s no energy and when she does eat, it’s quick fix food (Chocolate bar) where she’s got a little energy then 2hrs later she’s falling asleep,
It’s like she’s just given up on life, I do think she’s depressed, my sister says she’s acting this way so she can get one of her children to stay with her on a full time basis.
Which isn’t practical/ realistic. Also her house is far too big and hasn’t been cleaned since we the family last did it which was some months ago. I’m pretty sure she’s not getting showered as often as she should be either.
I think she needs to move into a small 1 bedroom flat with people her own age around her which would be easier to maintain and would be close to the shops for a little walk.
Maybe she could do with a home help to help her tidy & clean and also cook for her. But then she’ll feel worse because she’s not doing anything. And if you don’t use it you loose it, both mentally and physically.
This is really upsetting /worrying. And is affecting the whole family, but I feel like it’s on my shoulders because I’m the closest.
HELP PLEASE.
Many thanks
chris
Answer Chris,
You provided quite an expressive narrative of your mother, however, I am not exactly certain what you are asking. The will to live is often as important as the health of the person. It sounds like your mother's will to live is departing.
I suggest you let your mother eat whatever she likes and do as she wishes to allow her to live her life the way she wishes. This may keep her will to live intact during this final stage of her life.
Keep being a caring child and be encouraging and kind to your mother.
