What can be done for patients diagnosed with terminal conditions to insure they won't become candidates for euthanasia? How can you enhance the life of a person experiencing extreme pain, unconsciousness, or disability? If euthanasia (or assisted suicide) is not the answer, what is?
Dr. Matthew Connolly, professor in pharmacology at UCLA, said we must treat people with respect and affirm their value as individuals so that no matter the circumstance, they will not ask for "relief" via death. Speaking in a seminar on methods of effective pain control he said, "We have to choose between the cup of hemlock and the chalice of compassion. We will succeed in either the eradication of pain or the extinction of man."
He challenged pro-lifers to follow the path that affirms the sanctity of human life, even though it is more arduous. Here are some suggestions on how to care for particularly vulnerable individuals:
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Ensure that the person you are concerned about receives prompt and adequate medical care. He may need you to speak up on his behalf, especially if you are named as his durable power of attorney. This may require aggressive action.
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Alleviate the patient's concerns in non-medical problem areas: child care, housework, yard work, finances, etc.
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Urge attending physicians to manage the person's pain to the best of their abilities. Most pain can be controlled, and there are many options available today.
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If, as a non-professional, you cannot meet the patient's physical needs, attend to his mental, social and spiritual needs. Be creative.
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Sustain your relationship with the person, even though it may
now be more difficult to do so and require more "give" than "take" on your part.
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Listen, even though the patient may have difficulty expressing herself.
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Maintain the patient's dignity, privacy and modesty as much as possible. Allow the patient to make decisions and then abide by them.
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Send greeting cards to medically vulnerable patients who are hospitalized. Nurses and others tend to respond better when they know other people know and care about their patients.
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Explore the possibility of at-home or hospice care for the patient.
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Support the hospice/respite care movement financially, by endorsing legislation, and by volunteering.
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Volunteer to relieve the spouse, parent or children of the infirm individual to give them a break from care-giving duties.