This is a very personal piece, but on issues which affect us all.
Today is my 87th birthday and I had a mild stroke, almost exactly 2 years and a day ago (as I write) which has had a continuing impact on my memory.
I am a divorcée with no desire for another partner and my ex-husband’s second wife is caring for him as he suffers dementia.
My former mother-in-law was incredibly stressed when my father-in-law was suffering dementia – like father, like son! I am quite sure that prolonging his life, foreshortened hers!
And, having, late in life, studied law, I am well aware of the extent to which laws are influenced by religious beliefs.
In Australia, choosing to end one’s own life is only allowed to those of right mind who are suffering intense pain and for whom death is imminent anyway! That’s assuming that your State/Territory has already passed legislation!
Is this good enough?
IMHO – NO!!!
We are all taught that – except in war – killing another is wrong and, to be found guilty of doing so, deliberately, is punishable by the laws of the land.
Yet there is no adequate consideration given to the effects on the carers for those suffering from dementia, particularly when the carer and the sufferer share a close relationship.
What we ignore, far too often, is quality of life.
Most people in our society today who are already suffering from dementia, may live for a long time yet, but in doing so, their quality of life is not really good, and that of their most caring relatives is almost certainly worse.
My former husband appears to be unaware of how his behaviour is affecting others. He no longer recognises his 3 children and he accidentally knocks his wife over without being aware of having even touched her.
Constitutionally he is likely to have a good life expectation which is not, clearly, a good prognosis!
Although I am presently clear of dementia, my defective memory is an embarrassment, I only have one eye with an intact retina, my spine is collapsing and the latter is making it increasingly difficult for me to keep my promise to myself to keep weekly vigil outside Parliament House until the governments (NT and Federal) STOP using and exporting fossil fuels.
If I degenerate so far that I am a burden on my children and others have to care for me, I want to be able to die!
And I know many others share those feelings.
Why do our legislators ignore us?
I have no religious convictions and for me, having no quality of life makes life meaningless!
And I count myself as being currently of sound mind!
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