I can totally agree with that. Not just in health care, but seniors in general get slighted. I hate to see what it will be like when we get to be that age. What should be an enjoyable time in life often ends up being miserable and worrysome. I see it with many seniors that I know. My personal opinion is that there needs to be much stronger advocacy. I'm convinced the life cycle is backwards and you should be old first and then end your time on earth as a kid, playing, etc.

Question #2:

Should Advance Directives Be Mandated?

Yes, I even have one at my age and everyone should have one.

This makes it all very clear of my own personal wishes for life support, organ donation, etc.

I do too, mine was done at age 19. Why?

<<< See the scar on my chest.

See edited, above.

Advance directives are helpfull but still roughly vague. I think if mandated they would excute the patients wishes and also relieve a lot of pressure put on families. Of course there would be exceptions to certain patients who were "unable" to express their opinion, but guardians/caretakers could fill one. I think it would be a possitive proactive decision.

Yes, they can be a little vague at times, but do agree that they are a proactive approach.

Bring on Question #3, heheheehe!

Question #3:

A patient has the right to refuse care. As long as they are mentally competant they can refuse blood, medicine, surgery, and even refuse to eat. Should we always respect their wishes even if it leads to the patients death?

Yes, that is a decision of freedom that each of us have to live with (or die with).

Yet we prevent suicides? Wouldn't this be irrational thought.....avoiding needed treatment? If a person is suicidal then we can restrain, force feed, pump their stomach...whatever it takes to save their life. Why is this different? Because they signed a waiver?

most ppl attempting suicide are not in the right mind to make that kind of decision or would they really be trying ..

they would be recommended to see a thearapist for what ever reason they felt they needed to die



therefore they consider attempted suicide to mean the person dieing might not be in a state of mind to make a decision in their best interest

I agree Dana, but if a person is refusing surgery that could save their life....shouldnt we question their rationality? & mental state?

You already said, treatement based upon mental stability. In regard to mental illness I believe that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but one just cannot see it at the time. I won't expand too much, but can speak from certain experience. I am very thankful today that help was there when I did not have the capacity to make a wise decision on my own. In the same sense, some people just never shake it and in this case they should still be allowed to have their wish to die. Just my own personal thoughts.

Thought: Some people base it upon religion practices. I for one would not, but those group of people do exist.

I know, but how can we tell what is "freedom of beliefs" and what is just taking the "easy way out"?

What if one's beliefs proves insanity?

Certainly understand your point, but again I still believe that whether one is insane or coherant that the person should have their own individual rights. Although, there is a very fine line there, especially in mental illness cases. Perhaps a mandated medical directive that also outlines clearer decision making (e.g., in the event of mentally incapacitated, etc.).

I ripped Ivs out of my arm and walked out of an ER.

I was p!ssed. The nurses chased me down and said "you cant leave!" I said, "oh yeah thats right I have to sign the waiver first...BYE!"