September 10, 2011 - Options for peaceful dying already exist in every state. Voluntary stopping eating & drinking (VSED) is a legally recognized option for terminally-ill mentally competent adults who wish to end their suffering. While it is estimated 9 of 10 deaths follow a decision to withhold some form of life-sustaining treatment, many Americans remain unaware of their legal end-of-life options, including VSED.

VSED is not starvation and, with palliative support, is not painful. Numerous studies demonstrate that, when coordinated with hospice care, the process is peaceful and the patient does not suffer from hunger or thirst. A growing number of individuals are exploring this option. VSED permits dying to proceed naturally.

This choice involves consciously refusing all food and fluids for a gentle, natural passing. Consciousness is lost in as little as two or three days, and death typically occurs within one to three weeks, depending on the individual's hydration and disease state. Success with VSED requires determination, accurate information, and around-the-click support from family or other caregivers. Contact Compassion & Choices' End-of-Life Consultation program at 1-800-247-7421 for more information.

Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions about VSED (pdf)
Brochure for Peace at Life's End. Anywhere. (pdf)

September 10, 2011 - Assisted-living facilities (ALFs) are designed to provide necessary services in a setting with all the comforts of home. If you are living in or considering life in an assisted-living facility, you should expect them to honor any choices you make in the privacy of your home. As one couple found out, that isn't always the case.

As the end of life approaches, a variety of options for dying at home are accepted in law and medicine in every state. Do you hope the assisted-living facility will remain your home for the duration of your life? Ensure your home is suited to your choices. Download our rider here. Ask the facility you are considering to confirm it will be your "home," with the dignity and privacy that implies.

September 10, 2011 - Compassion & Choices Northern California will have a booth at the 26th Annual Marin Senior Information Fair on October 19 in San Rafael. The Marin Senior Fair is one of the largest senior fairs in the San Francisco Bay Area, with more than 4,500 fair-goers projected to attend. The Fair hosts hands-on activity centers, a flu shot clinic, numerous free health screenings, housing resource information, legal knowledge, travel, volunteer and educational opportunities, quilting demonstrations, computer and camera clinics, medication information, fitness consultations and classes, art demonstrations and media show, and lots of other experiences.

At the Compassion & Choices Northern California booth, we will distribute copies of our advance directive, provide information on California's Right to Know End-of-Life Options Act, and let people know about our end of life consultation program. Fair-goers will also have the opportunity to win a copy of their advance directive on a wallet-sized CD. Hope to see you at the Marin Exhibit Hall (10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael) on October 19 from 9 am to 3 pm and admission is free.