Shortly after Rosie arrived in the emergency department, she was ready to return home. At age 89, she appeared to be a well put together woman who was aware of her surroundings and medical conditions. Prior to arriving in the ED, Rosie experienced difficulty breathing and alerted her daughter, Tara. With her mother having congestive heart failure and
hypertension, Tara called 911 and drove to Rosie’s assisted living residence.
After a brief evaluation, the paramedics were not convinced that Rosie was short of breath. Tara, a nurse for 10 years, was torn between listening to her mother’s request, who had
also been a nurse, to go to the ED and appreciating what the paramedics were saying. There was a lot of expertise in Rosie’s room, but no definitive strategy for how to reconcile this dilemma. Tara erred on the side of her mother’s wishes and permitted the paramedics to transport Rosie to the ED.
Most of us have read about or experienced Oprah Winfrey in a variety of ways, whether it be from watching her daily talk show, to reading books she recommends, to her powerful speeches, such as her 2018 Golden Globes speech and her support for Stacey Abrams. Having the ability to think for herself is fundamental to Oprah’s success in life. It’s what attracts others to want what she’s achieved through her own merits. Oprah’s followers
often become political candidates and leaders themselves. Her recent stump speech for Stacey Abrams, candidate for governor of Georgia, encouraged voters to stop listening to the outside noise and to begin reflecting on personal values.
Stacey and Oprah
pointed out to audiences: “You have a vote – You have a vote – You have a vote.” In the democratic process, decisions are made based on the majority of votes. Patients have the right to make their own medical decisions, but most patients prefer the doctor determines what’s in their best interest. This often leaves family caregivers out of the voting process.
Medical experts, family caregivers and patients each have a vote in the decision-making process. In the care of Rosie, Tara regretted her decision to listen to her mother instead of her better judgment. She knew her mother suffered from anxiety, and this fear factor influenced her decisions. She also knew that her mother was not long for this world and needed to safeguard her
end-of-life journey. A trip to the ED might mean Rosie could die in the hospital. Was this part of Rosie’s advance care plan?
The following "Oprah Steps" are how family caregivers
might think for themselves:
