Let People Decide When They Want To Die
Long read but I need to get something off my chest as this is something I am very passionate about.
Just seen on the news there will be a debate on assisted dying. For the past 5+ years I have worked with Dementia sufferers and have never seen such horror, heartbreak and fear in my entire life.
Many people think of Dementia as just “memory loss” (so did I before I started work!) but nothing can prepare a person – or family for the full effect of this awful disease. A person who was once elegant, well mannered & well presentable person can turn aggressive, incontinent and eventually bed bound.
If I had a pound every time a family member said to me “he/she would have HATED for people to see him/her like this” or “he/she would never want to be like this” Id never have to work again. Families have to grieve for their loved one whilst they watch them slowly deteriorate and turn into somebody unrecognisable right before their eyes, then again after death.
Not only this, but in the late stages of dementia the individual will almost always become bed-bound. Unable to eat, drink or even speak. The individual will usually not even be able to move themselves resulting in 4 hourly repositioning by carers to prevent pressure sores (this includes throughout the night).
I have seen former lawyers become almost baby-like, not only distressing for families but again those famous words “they would have hated being seen like this”. I’ve even had family tell me they would rather kill themselves than go through what their family member is going through. Why are people unnecessarily suffering?
Why are people with these TERMINAL diseases not given a choice? To die on their own terms instead of YEARS of agony, pain, and suffering. Where is the DIGNITY when proud men are wearing continence pads even though the bare thought of it kills them inside? Where is the quality of life when you are spending 5+ years bed bound just staring at 4 walls 24 hours a day?
Having contact with another person only when they come in to change your continence pad, feed you, or reposition you? < May I add also the fear from a dementia sufferer when they have no idea what you’re doing when you are changing them.
Can you imagine the horror of a stranger walking into your bedroom and undressing you whilst you have no idea why? Care givers explain everything and explain they are just getting you dressed for bed but your brain doesn’t process anything and all you see and feel are hands undressing and washing you? You wouldn’t put an animal through it so why a human? #LegaliseAssistedDying
