Most people are unprepared for the shameful reality of how they could die. Although the majority of people imagine they will grow old and die in their sleep, surrounded by friends and family, one in five people will die a ‘shameful’ death – alone, ravaged by dementia and without dignity.
I find it very difficult to believe that anyone with an ounce of compassion can deny those who have lost quality of life, be it degeneration or terminal illness, the right to make a choice for a dignified and peaceful death, provided this has been documented in an advance care directive whilst of sound mind.
When the end is nigh, it is best to avoid hospital; the health system is geared to actively treating patients, not to recognise the dying.
The rapid increase of the shameful death is being fuelled by an ageing population and a lack of foresight over how to deal with the ultimate consequences of the medical advances which keep people alive for longer.
We are significantly more likely to die a lonely, prolonged death in a nursing home or hospital, preceded by multiple organ failure, pneumonia or dementia.
Over 80 per cent of citizens favour euthanasia for those who have documented their wish in an advance health care directive, so the time is nigh for legislative action to allow this to be done.
Bill Alcock
Port Macquarie
