Senior care involves assisting seniors with terminal illnesses. While hospice care allows families to prepare better for the end, sometimes there is a need for a way to die with dignity when suffering from certain illnesses. Anyone who has witnessed someone dying this way understands the movement that has gained momentum to help authorize medical aid in dying. Caregivers who have heard death rattles from a dying patient are changed forever by the experience and many are filled with compassion for how to better assist.
Compassion & Choices is the organization championing access to medical aid in dying. Oregon and West Virginia have passed legislation and bills are pending in another 25 states and the District of Columbia. California’s governor recently signed a bill to also make this available in California.
Caregivers who advocate for this right may call their U.S. Senator and Representative and ask them to attend Compassion & Choices’ Capitol Hill Briefing:
Compassion & Choices Capitol Hill Briefing in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, October 29th at 2 p.m.
2226 Rayburn House Office Building
This briefing will include remarks from Dan Diaz, husband of Brittany Maynard, who recently spoke here in Chicago at Chicago Idea’s Week. He and his wife had to relocate to Oregon as her brain terminal progressed, in order to allow her the option of dying with dignity. A move right before death is not something that most of us would welcome. Many medical doctors and registered nurses are champions for this legislation as they understand how both your body and personality can change with certain diseases as your organs are shutting down. The states that are passing these compassion laws do require individuals to be approved before receiving the medications.
Dr. David Grube, Compassion & Choices’ national medical director and a few board members will also speak.
Seniors and caregivers who want to support this right to be available nationwide may contact their state Senator and their local Congressman to let them know they should attend too.
RSVP to Attend
