These questions are designed to provoke deeper thought about what makes life worth living and, conversely, when and if we can reach a point where life is no longer worth living. Today these issues are on many Americans' minds. Increasingly, we recognize dying as an important part of life. And over the past decades, the "American way of death" has come to involve, more and more, the idea of choice.
When we face choices about the end of life, the difficulty often lies in balancing many competing considerations, including our personal beliefs about dying, our care options, and our desire to protect our families. We invite you to take a closer look at your own personal values and priorities.
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Would you agree or disagree with the following statements?
AGREE | DISAGREE | |
Aging has a special value. | ||
Dying is an important part of life. | ||
The length of my life is important, but so is the quality of my life. There are circumstances under which I would not want my life to prolonged. | ||
I want to live as long as possible. My physical comfort, chances of recovery or expense should not be a consideration. | ||
I believe that it is always wrong to withhold or withdraw treatments that could keep me alive. | ||
My family should comply entirely with my personal wishes. | My wishes are not as important as what my family decides is best. They should consider their own emotional and financial interests along with my well-being. |
The meanings of "quality of life" and "a good death" are deeply personal. Rank the following in importance to you:
QUALITY OF LIFE | |||
Getting out of bed every day | |||
Spending time outside | |||
Providing my own care | |||
Being aware of my surroundings | |||
Recognizing my family, friends and loved ones | |||
Being able to communicate with my family, friends and loved ones | Remaining in my home as long as I live | Leaving my loved ones with good memories | Leaving money to my family, friends or a charity | Fulfilling personal goals |
DECISIONS | |||
Honest answers from your doctor | |||
Making decisions for myself | |||
Receiving all possible medical treatment | |||
Living without pain | |||
Consulting a religious advisor to ensure that decisions are made in keeping with my religious tradition | |||
Not being a burden on my loved ones | The opportunity to plan my own funeral | The opportunity to complete my will |
MANNER OF DEATH | |||
Avoiding pain and suffering, even if it might hasten death | |||
Being alert, even if it means I might be in pain | |||
Dying naturally | |||
Dying without lingering | |||
Being with my loved ones at the time of death | |||
Having time for a special ritual gathering such as a prayer service, readings or sharing memories with loved ones | Having religious or spiritual advisors at my side |