As many of you know I work in a Dr's office. Most of our patients are elderly. Some at 100, 88, 94,78 are in excellent health. Some at 80 are on 30 different meds a day, senile, blind, depressed without close family stuck in nursing homes.
This week two patients came in that really made me think about the value of life. Brought in by their children themselves in their 60's these patients were senile, blind, in pain, unable to take care of themselves, go to the bathroom alone etc.
They looked miserable and confused. In many with Alzheimers one needs to only look into the eyes, there is no one home. They do not recognize themselves or their children, they are angry and violent in some cases, or just docial and child like in others.
Medicine can now keep these people alive for years. Pills to control, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol the list goes on and on. Years ago these people would have had a heart attack and died a more natural death. Now they are the living dead. Alive but not living, day in and day out in pain and confusion. Never getting better. The drain on the family to take care of them is often overwelming. Babyboomers in their 60's having to diaper mom and dad, not able to enjoy their own retirement or build their own nest egg.
Then there is the cost on the health care system as a whole. Nursing homes, hospitals keeping them breathing for what purpose. They can't see, think, hear they are but living shells.
I know I never want to live like this. If I get to that point please give me some pills or an IV and let my pass peacefully. Let my children remember a mom who didn't pee in her pants, who know who they were and who laughed at the silliest things. I do not want to be a burden to my family or to society. The money can be used to help an animal shelter instead of keeping me alive on a feeding tube.
Would anyone be willing to sign such a form?