Melissa Cook explains her decision for one Advanced Dementia condition. (1:20)
Demonstrates how a person explains her choices on her Living Will video, so others can learn and understand her wishes and avoid future conflicts.
Demonstrates how a person explains her choices on her Living Will video, so others can learn and understand her wishes and avoid future conflicts.
An introduction to the “Ironclad Strategy,” which is designed so you can have CONFIDENCE that others will honor your specific end–of–life wishes.
A video for paramedics and emergency physicians. You may also want this clinical option–if you suffer from osteoporosis and heart rhythm problems.
1. “My spouse knows what I want.”
When “that time comes, “the person you trust now may not be willing, or available, or able to convince the opposition to honor your wishes (without your clear expression of your specific wishes).
2. “I already have a Living Will.”
Most Living Wills are NOT effective for Advanced Dementia. To be certain your future physician will provide the most aggressive treatment to relieve pain and suffering (if needed), you need to sign another form. Few people know they can have TWO Living Wills.
3. “I am at peace with my choice for DNR (Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate).”
Many people are not informed that they might survive an arrest but still avoid chest compressions; or that having a DNR order puts them at risk for being denied treatments they DO want; or that Living Wills put them at risk for not receiving resuscitation that they may still want.
Stanley A. Terman, Ph.D., M.D., founded this non-profit organization in 2000 and is its current CEO and Medical Director.
A recorded opinion may silence anyone in the future who claims you did not really know what decisions you were making, especially if you had memory problems or were on pain meds.
June 18, 2014 presentation by Dr. Terman, to the San Diego Dementia Consortium.
Dr. Terman has accurately and respectfully presented the Catholic position(s). I agree with the values he holds most dear: To do everything possible to learn directly from the patient what she or he wants; and to appreciate that one of life’s greatest joys—to be heard and respected—is especially true for needy and vulnerable patients in the last chapter of their lives.
–John Gillman, Ph.D., ACPE Supervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education; VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, San Diego, California
