Approaching Death: Improving Care at the End of Life.

Death and dying have changed in  dramatically in America.

People use to die of old age, in their home, with their families surrounding them. Today, people often die from complications of a disease, at a facility or hospital, surrounded by medical staff, and if lucky, loved ones.  

"The dying process today tends to be more extended, in part, because medical treatments can control pneumonia, kidney failure, and other immediate causes of death that accompany cancer, heart disease, and other "slow killers." Because death from these conditions can often be postponed, questions about life-prolonging treatment become central issues for patients, families, and clinicians".

The time is now to look at the importance of gaining end of life knowledge, and understand what medical treatments coincide with what you feel is quality of life.   Do not leave these important decisions to others.  Only you know what you want, and until you take action to get these decisions in writing, and to appoint a Health Care Advocate, medical choices are open to interpretation by others.

Approaching Death: Improving Care at the End of Life.