Health Care Insanity
Have you attended one of the town hall meetings across the country regarding health care? Or debated the issue with friends and family?
Let me be clear about my position:
My parents got all their care under the National Health system in England. My sisters and their families get their health care in the same way, so I am strongly in favor of everyone having access to a doctor. In fact, as a Christian, I can't imagine not supporting medical care for the poor. The issue needs to be focused on how we meet these basic standards of a compassionate society so no one has to keep their sick children from getting help.
Do you have an Advanced Directive?
Have you discussed with your parents and family what you do or don't want if you are unable to make decisions for your health? Suppose you have a debilitating stroke, a heart attack, or lose your ability to say if you want to go on a ventilator, have a feeding tube inserted, or be kept alive no matter what it takes--what would you want?
It's vital that you discuss these things NOW, while you can let your family know what you do or don't want. Your wishes also need to be written down in order to be legally binding. This is where an Advanced Directive comes in. It is a document that asks detailed questions about end of life care and where you can record your wishes. Make sure your family knows where this is in case it is needed some day. An Advanced Directive can be obtained from your local hospital.
Hard as it is to discuss this with your parents, please try and raise the issue for everyone's sake. You will be glad you took care of this well before those decisions need to be made.
My husband and I frequently discuss what we do and don't want in terms of end of life care. It isn't morbid, it is being pragmatic. We've told our two children what our wishes are. Friends also know. I encourage you to do the same. I believe it is honoring to the Lord that we relieve our loved ones of added pain in one of the most difficult experiences they will face.
