Decisions on dying

Re: Parliament of medicine, Aug. 17 and Canadians believe health system ill prepared for ‘tsunami’ of aging boomers, poll finds, Aug. 19.

I am a living example of a baby boomer facing the challenges of being a caregiver for my 81-year-old mother, who has severe dementia as a result of a stroke two years ago.

Like many, I worked hard to achieve my goal to attain the “Freedom 55” mythical dream of travelling with my husband while we are still able. We bought property in Florida to escape the winters and enjoy all the bucket list things that normal couples dream of.

Our “freedom” lasted two years. Our ailing parents, have, through no fault of their own, taken all that away. My mother’s situation in particular, since she is no longer independent. Despite the high price of the private residence she resides at, I need to visit her daily to ensure that her hygiene is taken care of, and to take her out for a coffee or a stroll to distract her from the daily routine of doing nothing.

It is her situation that has made me reflect as to my own end of life. Life is precious. Consenting, intelligent adults however, should be allowed to decide how they wish to spend their last days, as long as it is a decision that is proven to have been thoroughly reflected upon. We will all die; how we die is a privilege that we should all possess. There is nothing more sad than watching a loved one become a vegetable, an empty shell.

I hope that the incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, will bring new hope to this controversial topic, one that must be addressed in a progressive Canadian society. I believe that the current demographics will also reflect a more forward-thinking and accepting society.

NINA MYRIANTHIS, Ottawa