To a Christian, death is not the end of life, but rather a dramatic transition to a new state of being. -Archbishop Gomez, A Will to Life: Clear Answers to End of Life Issues End-of-Life Issues

Making Treatment Decisions

A person has a moral obligation to use ordinary means to preserve life.

Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Preserving vs. prolonging Treatment Methods

Beneficial Treatments are 1.Effective in preserving life 2.Proven to restore and maintain function 3.Promote the goals and values of the patient 4.Consistent with religious and cultural beliefs

Burdensome Treatments are 1.Disproportionately risky 2.Not easily available 3.Low or uncertain in their outcome 4.Excessive either physically or psychologically 5.Excessive in their cost

A dignified death respects the whole person, body, soul and spirit, as someone created by God.

End of Life Care Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Palliative Care Works to ease the pain and systems due to the sickness For patients whose goals for a cure and prolongation of life are no longer possible or appropriate.

Hospice Care Provide physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care for the dying person and his/her family.

Proportionate means are those that in the judgment of the patient offer a reasonable hope of benefit and do NOT entail an excessive burden or impose an excessive expense on the patient, family, or community.

Advance Directives 1.Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will) 2.Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order

Medical Power of Attorney What a Power of Attorney does Questions a Power of Attorney answers Limitations on the Power of Attorney

Anointing of the Sick What is the sacrament? Who may receive it? Who may administer it?

The Viaticum The Eucharist ministered to those who are about to pass to Eternal Life.

Sacraments of Death Receiving Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum before death prepare us to reunite with the Eternal Father in Heaven.

The Texas Catholic Conference Ascension Health CHRISTUS Health