palliative and end of life care

 According  to the Alzheimer Society "Planning for end-of-life care should begin as  soon as possible after a diagnosis of dementia."  This is very  important, especially to discuss the patient's wishes regarding future  care, as there will come a time when caregivers must make all medical  decisions for the person with dementia.  

Many people don't realize that heart failure is a life limiting condition that can lead to serious symptoms of shortness of breath or chest pain even while doing nothing. Advanced heart failure does NOT respond to normal treatments. When the pump (your heart) is unable to perform its job anymore, it leads to difficulty breathing and being weak.  Its important to plan ahead if you have heart failure.   

 "In general, people living with COPD deteriorate physically over time. A decrease in energy and strength is common with progressive diseases. Typically people also experience decreasing capacity for activity, increasing shortness of breath, weight loss, and decreasing blood oxygen  levels."  - Virtual Hospice 

 Cancer care has most commonly been associated with palliative care. Palliative treatment in cancer care simply means that we are no longer trying to "cure" the disease, but to "control" it so that a person can have more time or more quality of life as they see fit. 

 Who will speak for you if you can't?  Will they make the same decisions that you would want? 

The best way to make sure this will happen is to write out an advanced care plan.

A power of attorney for medical care is also very important. You can download these free Ontario forms at https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/incapacity/poa.php

Government resources on the assisted dying legislation and your legal right to be assessed should you wish can be accessed at the link below. 

Dr. Holowaty believes in a person's right to this information as part of a full palliative care approach. If you have questions, please ask.