Long term life issues

			Long term life issues
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Common elements	The longer we live, the closer we are to passing on, no matter how long we might live.
Issues for countries at war	Until we can bring quanity and quality education to ALL women of the world, we seem 'blessed' to have bloody, long and fruitless wars for seemingly useless issues, when the long term honest outcomes are relunctantly not stated at the outset. Intervention strategies in conflicts ? What sort of involvement - active or passive? Why - confused by the set of 'rules' to apply. When - at the beginning or when it gets very desperate? Where - on their battleground or a neutral venue? How - within budget constraints or cost is no issue?
Similar issues for families	Living wills, enduring powers of attorney, the known personal wishes of partners and family, plus organ donation wishes etc are the long term honest outcomes that can be discussed and recorded in an open family environment. Unlike some, it is a gift we can give to the next generation as part of the recognition of our life's limits. Intervention strategies in the intensive care unit (ICU) What policies do you want - life support to be withdrawn? Why - quality of life wish vs the ethics of the medical staff When - before futility sets in, and pain is unacceptable Where - home with support or hospital environment How - alone or with family, in a way maybe where your donated organs may benefit others. What is your definition of death, brain death or heart stoppage?

Other useful stuff ....

	Dying with Dignity - Victoria Palliative Care - support materials Ethic Guidelines - Womens health & human reproduction