Death is a natural part of the cycle of life. End of Life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death, whether from a sudden illness, a life-ending disease or old age.

 

As with so many other older adult issues, planning ahead and sharing those plans with family and medical and legal professionals can ensure that one’s wishes are followed. This can be a true gift to family members, sparing them decisions in a time of crisis.

To date, health care providers have been the primary educators on end of life options.　 The education is often initiated in a hospital or other clinical setting when an individual and his/her family members have been informed of 　the reality of imminent death. This is a particularly awkward time to begin educating anyone, the patient or the family, about the natural process of aging and/or end of life options. These untimely conversations are often characterized by high levels of emotion without the benefit of time for more thoughtful, objective and comprehensive consideration of all implications.　 They also can lead to a perception of insensitivity and distrust of the health care providers guiding the discussion and simultaneously charged with the delivery of medical care.

The Statement

The Council on Aging understands the challenges that aging and the end of life brings for the dying individual and those who will experience the loss of this loved one. 　Because we understand, we also know it is important to recognize that the end of life is a natural process which needn’t be overly directed or impeded through medical intervention.

The Council on Aging believes that education on end of life considerations for seniors is not mutually exclusive of aging education and should not begin with health care providers when death is imminent.

The Council on Aging encourages every family to have an open discussion regarding end of life issues.　 Just as every family prepares for the blessed event of a new life beginning, families are encouraged to prepare for the sacred event of a life coming to an end.　 The preparation by the individual and the family members allows all to anticipate and make plans to address inevitable needs.

The Council on Aging supports the individual’s right to make decisions about end of life care and, therefore, promotes the execution of Advanced Directives.　 Advanced Directives provide each of us with the opportunity to make our wishes known so they can be carried out by those caring for us, family members and health care providers.

End of life considerations are multifaceted and vary depending on the individual and what is important to him or her.　 These considerations range from basic care needs to the application of complex medical interventions, from staying at home or in a medical facility or how to cover the cost of staying at home to the legacy one may want to leave.　 End of life considerations are also impacted by one’s cultural norms, religious beliefs, support systems and concern for loved ones that will be left behind.

This planning starts with asking yourself some crucial questions to determine what is most important to you.　 Secondly, educating self and family members on the options and implications; and lastly, documenting your decisions in the form of an Advanced Directives.

The Statement on End of Life Issues was approved by COA's Board of Directors in March 2010.

A COA ad hoc committee on End of Life issues meets monthly under the direction of chair, Judy S. Given. The committee has reviewed many articles and papers and heard from several professionals, senior and family members. In the coming years COA will partner with others to help educate the Middle TN community on the importance of families having early and frank discussions on this topic.

The Council on Aging has developed a comprehensive set of resources to assist seniors and their families in the successful assessment and management of end of life considerations.　 These resources can be equally valuable to persons of any age facing a life limiting illness or injury.　 Resources include the following:

 

Listed below is a listing of relevant literature which the committee recommends: