CHOOSING WHERE TO DIE; HOME OR HOSPITAL?

Dying is a major subject people often avoid discussing, particularly when it pertains to their own deaths. Opinions also vary from person to person with some being open to discussing the subject matter, setting out steps that include laying out how they will go about leaving this world. However, there are others who shy from it, believing that if it is out of mind then it remains out of sight. Many people also place importance on deciding where they would like to spend their time receiving medical treatment and health care before they die.

Normally, there are legal considerations to making a decision on particularly where one wishes to die. Although this can be declared orally, it can also be put into a document. Both methods are considered legally binding as they declare the wishes of the individual. Countries like England and Wales require individuals to sign a document called the, “Preferred priority for care document’. Other countries have developed their own such documents (Cancer Research UK, 2019). The document normally contains the wishes of the individual, pertaining to their preferences during their last weeks or months of life. Moreover, it contains plans for their health care service and treatment in their latter days. How comfortable an individual is with his/her place of treatment, as well as the health care providers, can influence the decision on to where to spend ones final days during the terminal stages of a disease.

Whilst some may insist on being in the confines of their home either alone or with home care, others may find comfort in the hospital or in a hospice ( a care centre that offer holistic and homely care for the sick or terminally ill). Some cancer hospitals also offer comprehensive palliative care for individuals in order to meet their needs during this period (Cancer Research UK, 2019). This palliative care is imperative in securing the emotional and psychological support and interventions required. It also involves a collaborative effort with the patients family during this period (NICE, 2016).

The familiarity of individuals with their nurses, doctors and other health care officials may influence ones decision to die in a hospital. This may be further impacted by the readmission of individuals into the same wards. Most of the facilities also ensure a conducive atmosphere for the affected persons with the presence of private rooms, kitchens and lounges as well as day room. This becomes very important because it offers individuals the respect, comfort and dignity that they require and provides the necessary support that they deserve in their last days of life. Health care professionals are also under strict guidelines that they must abide by when caring for such patients in order to ensure they receive the best care possible (NICE, 2015).
Therefore, though some may avoid making this decision as they are yet to come to terms with dying and would rather leave it to chance or fate, others are mindful with how they spend their last moments and should be supported as such.

Author: Justin Tetteh-Quaye

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