jet lag may hasten death in elderly bronx science

In rare instances, the process can take as long as several weeks. If you stop eating and drinking, death can occur as early as a few days, though for most people, approximately ten days is the average. Dying from dehydration is generally not uncomfortable once the initial feelings of thirst subside. You can live for a long time without eating, but dehydration (lack of fluids) speeds up the dying process. This will reassure family, physicians, and others that your mental status is sound, and this decision well considered. If your illness is not one that is likely to cause death within six months, arrange for a psychological evaluation for depression and decision-making capacity by a mental health provider.Usually, hospice will provide supportive care once you start the process.

If you are not on hospice, ask your physician for a referral to a local hospice provider. If you are already receiving hospice care, your team can help you prepare.You will need the staff to provide support and assistance. If you reside in a care facility, discuss your wishes with the staff and nursing director.Finalize your business and financial affairs, make funeral and memorial plans, and gather your family members to share memories and say your good-byes.Be prepared that some members of your friend or family circle may not be supportive of this decision. Talk with friends and family members who might care for you during this process early about your wishes and why you may want to take this course.Have your physician sign orders to withhold life-sustaining therapies and all resuscitation efforts. Complete an advance directive, stating in writing that VSED is your wish.Discuss all your medications and ask if a sedative or pain medication will be available to keep you comfortable. Talk with your physician to let them know of your plans.It’s not something that can or should be started the day it is first discussed. This choice is also commonly accepted in the medical community. Supreme Court has affirmed the right of a competent individual to refuse medical therapies, which includes food and fluids. One of the advantages of this decision is that you may change your mind at any time and resume eating and drinking. This is an option for people with terminal or life-limiting diseases who feel that with VSED their dying will not be prolonged. To voluntarily stop eating and drinking means to refuse all food and liquids, including those taken through a feeding tube, with the understanding that doing so will hasten death. Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) Rather, they require working with your healthcare team and loved ones. Whether or not your state has a death with dignity statute, you have a number of options available to hasten your death.

Jet lag may hasten death in elderly bronx science