Category Archives: Advance Medical Directives
Study Reveals Alarming Discrepancies in Hospitals’ Brain Death Policies
At a pivotal point in the 1987 fantasy film, The Princess Bride, a comic-relief character played by comedian Billy Crystal declares that the story’s protagonist is “only mostly dead,” and that “mostly dead is slightly alive.” In the context of the movie, of course, the exchange was meant to be humorous, setting the stage for a miraculous return from the brink of death. However, in realContinue reading
Living Wills and Death Delaying Procedures
The state of Illinois expressly recognizes the rights of its citizens to make their own decisions regarding the medical care they wish to receive, even following the diagnosis or acquisition of a terminal condition. According to the law, a person may choose to have death delaying procedures withheld or withdrawn in accordance with his or own personal desires, regardless of his or her ability toContinue reading
How Much Does Quality of Life Matter?
Despite tabloid claims that 50 is the new 30, and incredible advancements in personal care products which allow people to maintain a youthful appearance much longer than ever before, the fact remains that getting older is unavoidable. For many, advancement in age leads to some rather difficult considerations, particularly when it comes to deciding how to handle end-of-life concerns. One of the most controversial topics that elderlyContinue reading