My Case for Palliative Care
Forced to face mortality is to walked through the fires of sorrow. It is not the stage on which anyone of us chooses to play. So joy in life is, so sorrow is too.
When the vigil begins, is the being mortal conversation open to including family and the patient facing imminent death?
How important is it for the patient’s medical team to visit daily and continue their involvement?
How important is it to not isolate the dying patient?
What becomes important when being mortal is one’s last reality?
Is there hope beyond hopelessness?
Is there anything in the natural world that possesses the power to reverse the last breath, or is the natural world indifferent to one’s finite being?
Wendy Karasin, who blogs, Musings of a Boomer, read a book written by a doctor titled, Being Mortal. After she read the book, she asked this question.
“Where do you stand on this issue?” I agree with Karasin’s observation that death is a tough subject to discuss, and many might think it too depressing to discuss. In my opinion, however painful or frightening, the discussion matters a great deal.
I posted her article, Being Mortal, here on my blog. I wonder what others think about “Is death too upsetting to consider?”
Today, there are new programs available to open the discussion and address this issue of “being mortal.” In the last ten years, doctors who felt the need and importance of caring for patients and addressing end-of-life matters now have the opportunity to pursue a specialty in palliative care. Their dedication, compassion, and comprehensive care for patients who have come to the end of the medical-help road have contributed enormous support for their terminal patients.
Equally important, palliative care programs offer guidance to those families who choose to become physically and emotionally involved in their loved one’s end care.
From my experience, this creates a natural and comforting environment where all involved can talk together about end-of-life concerns, express emotions, and deal with spiritual matters if faith has been a part of their lives.
Because I believe each person and their families must navigate mortality on their own terms, I only speak from my experience and belief.
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