There Are Options at the End
There’s no single approach to End of Life Care that works for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves to know the options they have in their final chapter, and should have a say in the type of care they receive.
We take decisions about end of life very seriously, and work closely with our clients and their loved ones to understand their goals, values, and resources. We share the options; our clients are always in charge of their own journeys.
Important Considerations
When helping those we serve create an End of Life plan, we encourage them to think about and discuss some important considerations:
- What quality of life would be acceptable to you?
- What type of treatments, and how many, are you willing to tolerate?
- What activities do you wish to be able to do to make life worthwhile?
- How much pain are you willing to tolerate?
Once questions like these are discussed, the option or options that are right for each individual often become clearer.
Option 1: Do Everything
“Do Everything” is modern healthcare’s default option for care. It entails doing everything possible to extend life regardless of unintended, and sometimes unavoidable, consequences.
Option 2: Stop Aggressive Treatment
For some people with terminal illnesses, the time comes when the harm from medical treatments can outweigh the good. At this time, patients may decide to discontinue aggressive treatment. When ending aggressive treatments, it’s important to ensure that a support system remains in place to endure the individual still receives appropriate management of discomfort or distress.
Option 3: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking
When a person is dealing with prolonged suffering at the end of their life, Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking, or VSED, can be a surprisingly painless and peaceful option. VSED is legal in every jurisdiction in the US. Though VSED is a natural process, we highly recommend the guidance and oversight of a knowledgeable medical team.
Option 4: Medical Aid in Dying
Medical Aid in Dying, or MAiD (also referred to as Death with Dignity) is a process guided by a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine that can allow a competent adult with a terminal illness to receive a prescription for life-ending medication. The laws around MAiD vary from state to state, and unfortunately MAiD is still illegal in many jurisdictions. We highly recommend contacting a physician and team with experience with the process, like Empowered Endings, if you’d like to learn more or receive support.
Whatever decisions those we serve make about their End of Life Care, Empowered Endings is here to support them with our experience, expertise, and compassionate guidance.
Bob and Elizabeth are just very gentle souls. There was no pressure and shared with my wife Rachel and I the many options you have to consider. It felt just like someone putting their arms around you.
For us as a family, Bob and Elizabeth gave us the tranquility and support that we needed at that moment. It made a total difference in the way my Dad passed away. It allowed me to be the daughter and not a nurse.
Featured Articles
Dr. Bob Uslander Explores End of Life Decisions in California on CBS8
According to CBS8, “nearly 4,000 terminally ill patients have opted for physician-assisted death since 2016.” In this recent feature, CBS8 interviews Dr. Bob Uslander of Empowered Endings, Patricia Feliu, wife…
End of Life Options: Dr. Bob and Elizabeth Uslander on Deborah Kobylt LIVE
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