Week 4 Reflection - End-of-Life
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Bryant & Stratton College *
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222
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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[Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines]Week 4 – End-of-Life Reflection
PHIL222 – Ethics in Health & Human Services
Jamie Smith Bryant & Stratton College
Professor Luke Hillman January 29, 2024
PHIL222 – Ethics in Health & Human Services
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End-of-Life Reflection
No one wants to think about end-of-life issues, but it’s something that we all have to face at some point, and it's important to be prepared. Whether it's for ourselves or our loved ones, there are a lot of things to consider, like hospice care, DNR orders, living wills, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. It can be a lot to think about, but by having these conversations and making the necessary preparations, we can ensure that our wishes are respected and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.
When it comes to end-of-life decisions, it's important to consider various aspects. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support for individuals with terminal illnesses. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders allow people to express their preference to not receive CPR in case of cardiac arrest. Living wills outline specific medical treatments an individual wants or does not want. Assisted suicide and euthanasia are controversial topics that involve intentionally ending one's life with medical assistance. By understanding these options, we can make informed
decisions and ensure our wishes are respected during challenging times.
End-of-life preparations hold immense value for several reasons. Firstly, they give us the opportunity to express our wishes regarding medical treatments and interventions, ensuring that our preferences are respected even if we are unable to communicate them ourselves. This brings peace of mind to both individuals and their loved ones, knowing that their desires will be honored. Additionally, end-of-life preparations provide a sense of control and empowerment during a challenging time, allowing us to maintain some autonomy over our own healthcare decisions. Lastly, these preparations can help alleviate the burden on our loved ones by providing
clear guidance and reducing the potential for disagreements or uncertainty. Overall, end-of-life preparations offer a sense of comfort, dignity, and support during a difficult phase of life.
PHIL222 – Ethics in Health & Human Services
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With that being said, having these types of preparations can have its benefits, but also have some drawbacks. Let me compare and contrast those benefits and drawbacks of making end-of-life preparations:
Benefits:
Peace of mind:
Making these preparations allows us to have a say in our own medical care, ensuring our wishes are respected, which brings a sense of peace and reassurance.
Autonomy:
It empowers us to make decisions about our own healthcare, maintaining control over our treatment options even if we are unable to communicate them later.
Reduced burden:
By clearly expressing our preferences, we can relieve our loved ones of the emotional and ethical burden of making difficult decisions on our behalf.
Clarity and communication:
End-of-life preparations facilitate open conversations with family and healthcare providers, fostering understanding and avoiding potential conflicts.
Drawbacks:
Emotional challenge:
It can be emotionally difficult to confront our mortality and make decisions about end-of-life care.
Uncertainty:
It's impossible to predict all future scenarios, so there may be unforeseen circumstances where our preferences cannot be fully honored.
Changing circumstances:
Our preferences may evolve over time, and it's important to regularly review and update our end-of-life plans to reflect our current wishes.
Cultural and ethical considerations:
Different cultures and belief systems may have varying perspectives on end-of-life decisions, which can create conflicts or challenges in decision-making.
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PHIL222 – Ethics in Health & Human Services
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Overall, the benefits of making end-of-life preparations, such as peace of mind, autonomy, and reduced burden, outweigh the drawbacks. It's important to approach these discussions with sensitivity and seek guidance from healthcare professionals and legal experts to ensure our wishes are properly documented and respected.
Based on the knowledge I have acquired related to these issues, I believe that I can make informed decisions about my future end-of-life preparations. It's clear that taking the time to express my preferences and wishes can bring peace of mind, autonomy, and clarity to not only myself, but my loved ones as well. I think by engaging in open conversations, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, and regularly reviewing and updating my plans, I can ensure that my wishes are respected and that my loved ones are supported during those challenging times. It's a personal decision, and what matters most is that I feel empowered and at peace with the choices I make.
In conclusion, end-of-life preparations hold great value in our lives. By making these preparations, we can have peace of mind, maintain control over our healthcare decisions, and alleviate the burden on our loved ones. Though there may be emotional challenges and uncertainties along the way, the benefits of expressing our wishes and fostering open communication outweigh the drawbacks. It’s important to take the time to have these conversations, seek guidance, and make decisions that align with your values and desires. You always want to keep in mind that it's all about finding comfort, dignity, and support during this phase of life.