http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-11-20/explore-final-moments-dying-man-who-chose-end-his-own-life
Questions to guide end of life conversations:
- http://associationdatabase.com/aws/MCA/asset_manager/get_file/73442/conversations_revision_jan_2014.pdf
- http://www.dyingwell.org/faq.htm
- http://theconversationproject.org/
- National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
- http://www.nhpco.org/advance-care-planning
- http://www.nhpco.org/resources/end-life-care--resources
State of Ohio packet of information --and a series of questions -- about end of life
http://associationdatabase.com/aws/MCA/asset_manager/get_file/73442/conversations_revision_jan_2014.pdf
Commonwealth of Kentucky Living Will packet
http://ag.ky.gov/civil/consumerprotection/livingwills/Documents/livingwillpacket.pdf
State of Illinois Living Will template
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/Livin.PDF
This was a very neat assignment for a couple of reasons.... one- Before doing the assignment I had what I thought to be a very concrete belief on what I wanted; however, when I was filling out the paper work I had some second guessing that occurred. Even though what I wanted did not change it was weird looking at death essentially. When one sits down and fills that paperwork out it is under the assumption that this event could be a reality, and in a society that distances itself from death it was very difficult to fly through this assignment, because in my opinion it should require a high level of attention
ReplyDeleteAlex, I think you make a very valid point. Before entering Death and Dying class I would have never thought about what I wanted as far as dying arrangements. I would have never brought up the conversation at dinner. But through this class it easier in a way to bring up these difficult conversations with my parents. I found out my parents wishes too.
DeleteI also agree Alex. I never took the time to think about what arrangements I wanted or how to bring it up with my parents, but it gave me a reason to address it with them and it actually ended up being a much easier thing to do than I thought.
DeleteI am right there with you Alex. I felt a a sense of sadness as I was filling out the paperwork because it brought the reality of my own death to the forefront of my mind. It is so strange because at our age, we think we are invincible; nothing can stop us you know? But once you get past the 20-something's bravado, you get to the fact of the matter: death is inevitable. To me, these realizations help to keep us grounded and remind us that life is precious. Finally, I totally agree with the statement that these forms require a good amount of attention and time!
DeleteAlex,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I felt like this assignment was very interesting because it actually allows one to sit down and think about what they want their will to be like. I know I for one had some ideas what I wanted my will to be like but, actually sitting down doing it made me realize so much more that I didn't think about before. I also like you, felt like this assignment was kind of weird because it was pretty odd looking at death fundamentally. Overall though, I would definitely recommend to do this assignment because even though it doesn't seem important, it actually kind of is. For instance, it's better to do it before it's too late.
After reading the Dying Well website, I found that as a very appropriate source to help people find answers to some personal questions about the dying process or how to go about talking to doctors or family. I found this website very informative and it is a good resource to have.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through wills, I honestly was scared. It is crazy how much is put into making a will and having to figure out how I want things to be when I die and where my money and items will go and be divided. It is very eye opening because never would I thought being 21 years old I would be looking at wills and actually thinking about these questions. I love how Rachael said in her comment "it's better to do it before its too late". I love how she said that because it is true. So many of us think nothing bad will happen to us which is why it is such a good idea to be thinking ahead before things get too late.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that each state (Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois) have pretty different versions of the living will. Illinois was definitely the shortest, and Ohio was the most in depth. I liked how Ohio included a series of questions to ask about the end of life with significant others. These questions are definitely helpful to those who are contemplating what they want to happen to their body once they have passed on. I have thought about this subject before and discussed it with my Mom. I have known where she stands on this subject for a while now, and I have developed my own opinions through conversations with her and through the course of this class. It was very interesting to talk to the whole family and see how our opinions compare and contrast with one another. I'm glad we did this assignment, because I have a new outlook on what I want to come upon my death.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting getting to read each state's version of the living will to see how different they are. It really does make you think when reading these about how you do need to be prepared in case something ends up happening because we all do not know when our last day on earth may be.
ReplyDelete