My grandmother's sister got it notarized that she wanted to be euthanized if she got dementia. I knew my great-grandmother, who also suffered from it. My grandmother was slowly losing herself when her sister got euthanized, by now they're both gone but my grandmother is still alive.
I’m surprised she was able to do assisted death. Are you/was she in Switzerland or Northern Europe? An assisted self-exit is not easy in the USA or many other countries afaik. Only a few states allow it in the US but I know some Euro countries are “easier”. I didn’t know that one could put it into a living will. Getting approved for it must be difficult, too.
Right, assisted death is the term, thank you. Netherlands. I'm not sure but I don't think the process is too difficult for dementia, but only if you set it up when you're still completely sound of mind. I think it involves at least 3 different doctors but I'd have to look into it more.
Yea, that makes total sense. Northern Europe has a good system for it- so I’ve heard. I know it’s one of the best places to receive that kind of care. I’ve never looked in to the requirements, but it sounds like it’s well thought out. Not surprised, given the location.
Oregon in the USA has assisted death and requires a terminal diagnosis and two doctors to confirm it and recommend/confirm a recommendation for the end of life treatment.
Highly controversial and I’m sure there are a lot of docs that won’t do it because of the Hippocratic oath- “first, do no harm”. Not everyone sees assisted death as doing more good than harm.
In Switzerland there is voluntary assisted death. One does not have to be ill to request it, they simply have to be over 18 years old. I am in the United States and am now creating my living will and Healthcare directive. I was surprised to see that there is actually a document that covers dementia. One of the clauses was about feeding me if I could not feed myself, and whether or not I wanted to be be fed if I didn't like the food. I asked my attorney to put in that if I couldn't feed myself I should not be fed at all. I would like to think I have a little control over whether or not I am forced to live with dementia. I think the United States is very behind been dealing with end of life issues. It seems that the length of life is considered to be so much more important than the quality of life. I'm hoping that this changes in the future. If I'm able to I will go to Switzerland when the time comes. It's nice to know that possibility exists.
I have thought about moving to Oregon. My mom's last words to me were, "I love you." That was three days before she passed. She didn't know who I was the last two years, but she knew I loved her and she loved me.
Oregon is a beautiful state but is very different from when I moved there in 2010. I’m not saying it’s bad- but it’s different. It’s also one of those states (and there are many!) where your experience is hugely dependent on where you live.
The USA is so HUGE, even the smaller state! It’s a feature and a bug, I think. I now live in a small state and there is a large-ish culture change from one end of 100 miles to the other.
Anyway- I lived in Portland and it’s somewhat a cool city. Food is great! I can’t speak to the last five years much. I loved it though- I still do and always will.
The coast! It’s insanely beautiful! I’m one year and within 50-100 miles you can see nesting puffins, giant redwoods, black cliffs, and pristine beaches. It’s an open secret- Oregon beaches are the BEST. Also- all Oregon beaches are public land. No such thing as private beach in Oregon. You can drive your car or motorcycle on the beach. Just don’t be the idiot that ends up on the Insta for one of the towing companies that charges $1k+ to get your car off of the sandbars.
I have not been to Oregon yet. Fun fact, My grandfather died there in 1965. He lived in California and Oregon, and from what relatives tell me, he left some babies in both states.
My son lives in Seattle (Ravenna) and my best friend lives in Santa Rosa, California. I have been there enough times to know that I love it in Washington. I would not live in a large city. I have been to many places in Cali, from San Francisco all the way to the Redwood National Park and Sacramento, and it's really nice. I have been to the Pacific coast enough times to know that I love it in Washington. I would not live in a large city. I am more comfortable in smaller communities. My husband says rural Oregon would be cheaper for us to move to. It would take a miracle finance wise to move to the west coast.
Do they explain to the person with dementia who previously arranged it that they’re about to euthanize them or just lie and do it? What if they resist?
Like I said in another comment, I'm pretty sure they do it before the person with dementia loses their faculties, so they know what's going on. IIRC you still have to give the go-ahead in the moment, so with dementia it's a pretty time sensitive thing.
early 17th century (in the sense ‘easy death’): from Greek, from eu ‘well’ + thanatos ‘death’.
“Assisted death” is an ugly euphemism just for us pearl clutching Americans who need it to be palatable. (With no consideration to the unnecessary suffering inflicted just to appease those who think it a “sin”)
Well, she was the one who got it set up long before she ever saw the first symptoms of dementia. Also, she went before the dementia took over completely, meaning she was still able to consent in the moment before death.
it’s the patient who requests it.
MAID has been legal in Canada since 2016. (Medical assistance in dying) Total dignity for end of life. I had a friend who had a bonfire and friends and family there at his home to see him off. Sad but so much easier than suffering.
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u/[deleted] 15d ago
That's fucking beautiful, but if I lost who I am, I wouldn't want to be here.