Re: Nursing Home for PWP/or suicide

["Bernard Barber, Ph.D." <dbbarber@xxxxxxx>]

Hi to All,

I have been very active in the movement of having facilities for PWP for the
past 5 years. The experiences many of written about regarding "Nursing
Homes" is unfortunately, not uncommon. There is no question as to the
inadequacies of most of the "homes", and for the most part it really is the
economics...My aunt was kept alive, mechanically, until her insurance ran
out. The burden of caring for us as we get older, is only one of the social
services needed by a society. There are other countries that do a better job
than we in the States. I will not get into the politics on this subject.

Having worked with the Geriatric population for a number of years, the
stories of self determination are not new or uncommon.
Starvation is one method folks have selected for it represents the final act
of self determination. Some countries have adopted a more dignified way to
help folks with their wishes, and attempts are being made in some states
here. I think the best approach for now is to provide "comfort care" and
most hospices do offer that, but not all folks fit in that group.

I'm sure there are many on line sites that are active in this discussion.
And there are many hospices that have speakers that would be willing to
discuss these topics.

We in Arizona have a wonderful, highly regarded new program and center
established by the owner whose wife has PD. They have worked with Hospitals
and Centers of Excellence in the developing of their program.

If you would like to look into this, I can provide addresses and phone
numbers. Please contact me off line. I hasten to add I have no affiliation
with this organization, other than provide information to them. Our Arizona
Chapter, of NPF often assists in such out reach programs to our community.

-----Original Message-----
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
[mailto:PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Rayilyn Brown
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 8:59 PM
To: PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Nursing Home for PWP/or suicide


Larry,

This has been my impression re nursing homes since my deceased dad's
experience.

I will kill myself if I can instead of going to be warehoused as I believe
my
brother and niece think might be the thing to do.

However, shaking hand rules out gun, I might miss and kill Spike or my
neighbor.
Swallowing pills might not work either if I cannot swallow or vomit the
dose.
 How do I get a "hit" contract on myself?  I have no Mafia connections.  I
have that exercise therapy pool if I can get to it, but might float.  Plus I
am unlucky.  Maybe my ovarian cancer will return and I can die of something
else.  I am also a coward.

I know this subject is kind of verboten, but if anyone want to email me
personally to    discuss it, please do so.

Ray


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