Discussion: End of Life Care BSC 2347
Discussion: End of Life Care BSC 2347
Discussion: End of Life Care BSC 2347
Week 10 discussion
End of Life Care
End of life care and treatment is a sensitive subject to
discuss but must be addressed by our health care field and society due to the
exorbitant costs it has on the health care system, especially Medicare, which
is a public health insurance. According to “The Dartmouth Institute”
(2013), Medicare spending per patient, in the last two years of life went from
$60,694 in 2007 to $69,947 in 2010. On top of that, it is estimated that one-quarter
of all Medicare payments are for end of life care and treatment, which is about
$50 billion with the majority of costs being paid out for the last two months
of the patients’ care and treatments.
There have been ethical calls to limit the amount of payment
Medicare will provide to extend a patient’s life for another six to twelve
months. Should there be a financial limit for Medicare in these situations? Why
or why not, and if so, what should it be? Should money be diverted from end of
life care and treatment for seniors and be used on infant and childhood care?
Will an advance health care directive (otherwise known as a living will)
resolve this problem? Why or why not?
GET PAPER HELP. PLACE AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOM-WRITTEN, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER Discussion: End of Life Care BSC 2347
A peaceful death might mean something different to you than to someone else. Your sister might want to know when death is near so she can have a few last words with the people she loves and take care of personal matters. Your husband might want to die quickly and not linger. Perhaps your mother has said she would like to be at home when she dies, while your father wants to be in a hospital where he can receive treatment for his illness until the very end.
Some people want to be surrounded by family and friends; others want to be alone. Of course, often one doesn’t get to choose. But, avoiding suffering, having your end-of-life wishes followed, and being treated with respect while dying are common hopes.
Generally speaking, people who are dying need care in four areas—physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual issues, and practical tasks. Their families need support as well. In this section, you will find a number of ways you can help someone who is dying. Always remember to check with the healthcare team to make sure these suggestions are appropriate for your situation.