This book is part of what really is a revolutionary approach to health care as the end of life approaches -- treat the patient, not the disease. Doctor Volandes wants patients and their doctors to think about the health care they want when an illness reaches the point where a cure is unlikely. The way he wants patients to think about it is by learning what various alternative kinds of care entail, and by talking about what they want -- openly and honestly, with their loved ones and their doctors. Do they want medical professionals to "do anything"? Do that want some support of functions that are failing, but not the most drastic? Or do they want comfort care, in which everything possible is done to eliminate pain and discomfort, but in which drastic measures are not taken.
If no decision is made, Dr. Volandes points out, the medical default is to do anything to keep the patient alive; that's what medical ethics call for unless the patient orders otherwise, and that's how the system works. Allowing this to happen, or in fact deciding to "do anything" often has nothing to do with treating the illness itself, but consists of treating the conditions that arise from it -- CPR when the heart stops, a ventilator when breathing fails, a feeding tube when the patient cannot eat. These may prolong life, but the quality of life that results can be miserable. For those who are already at that point, or who have loved ones at that point, these are decisions that need to be made, or the default will apply. Some may in fact choose the "do anything" option: that's their choice. But many others will choose not to accept drastic treatment, and will focus instead on care that keeps the comfortable. These are choices that need to be considered, and communicated clearly before a crisis arises.
For those of us who are not ill, but who are getting on, these are also choices that should be considered and communicated. If nothing else, it can spare our loved ones a great deal of anguish when our time comes. Dr. Volandes way of doing this is what he calls "The conversation". He provides ways of approaching this, and he also talks about ways of communicating one's wishes once choices have been made -- living wills, health care proxies, and so on and so forth.
This is a compassionate "how to" guide to making -- and communicating! -- choices that older people should make.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Debbie2010
This book is an easy read and the case studies illustrated well how having ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2017