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When I worked as an RN on an oncology floor back in the 80s doctors were more honest about the outcome. They would tell the family that nothing more could be done and " we are going to make him comfortable ".
The patient would be put on a morphine drip and quietly slip away. No one spoke about the fact that the drug would build up in the patient's system until respiration was depressed to the point where death occurred.
I saw this scenario in hospitals in 3 different states so that was the culture at the time...to prevent prolonged suffering when there was no possibility of a good outcome.
Over time the culture changed and working in an ICU in later years I saw some horrific situations. Many such situations caused by either the doctor or the family overriding the patient's Advanced Directive.
I just finished reading In Love by Amy Bloom. Her husband developed early onset Alzheimer's and the book depicts their decisions that led them to Dignitas. It's a lot more complicated than hopping on a plane to Zurich.
The application and interview process seemed lengthy and my understanding is that, at the point of arrival at Dignitas, the person has to be clear minded enough to clearly state his wishes. This comes after the preliminary interviews during which time the person's condition could deteriorate to the point of not being able to state his wishes.
I had considered Dignitas my exit plan but it sounds complicated .
I just finished reading In Love by Amy Bloom. Her husband developed early onset Alzheimer's and the book depicts their decisions that led them to Dignitas. It's a lot more complicated than hopping on a plane to Zurich.
The application and interview process seemed lengthy and my understanding is that, at the point of arrival at Dignitas, the person has to be clear minded enough to clearly state his wishes. This comes after the preliminary interviews during which time the person's condition could deteriorate to the point of not being able to state his wishes.
I had considered Dignitas my exit plan but it sounds complicated .
I do not know the timing around which Amy Bloom's husband had his interview, but there has been a movement to further tighten the guidelines around it in Switzerland. Since they are not laws, it is unclear if Dignitas practice has changed any further.
I got the Dignitas info. Right that there's more to it than hopping on a plane.
I did too. You have to pay $300 to "join" whether you use it or not. I read all the available material but it was a couple years ago. I hope it will continue to exist...
Interesting. No info in the article about who to contact or what the requirements are but useful for a start.
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