Well said and timely. I am a family physician who blissfully cares for exactly this kind of empowhered (and empowhimed?) persons! There are always at least two options in every situation, and usually many many options. Most of the time, the variables to be considered include ones that only the person living their life can weigh (sometimes with input from their family and friends). Only the people affected can evaluate issues of autonomy, privacy, loneliness, need for care, willingness to take on risk and personal responsibility, impact of decisions on relationships, family resources, and spirituality. I really enjoy engaging with people to bring their values to the table as they decide how to manage their own health. I recommend that everyone have a "health committee". The person needs to be the chair and then interview and hire folks to serve on the committee. The key is to see these people as advisors and helpers, to stay in charge yourself, and to never forget who hired these people and who can replace them should the need arise.
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Dear Michelle,
Well said and timely. I am a family physician who blissfully cares for exactly this kind of empowhered (and empowhimed?) persons! There are always at least two options in every situation, and usually many many options. Most of the time, the variables to be considered include ones that only the person living their life can weigh (sometimes with input from their family and friends). Only the people affected can evaluate issues of autonomy, privacy, loneliness, need for care, willingness to take on risk and personal responsibility, impact of decisions on relationships, family resources, and spirituality. I really enjoy engaging with people to bring their values to the table as they decide how to manage their own health. I recommend that everyone have a "health committee". The person needs to be the chair and then interview and hire folks to serve on the committee. The key is to see these people as advisors and helpers, to stay in charge yourself, and to never forget who hired these people and who can replace them should the need arise.
Again, thank you for your words and wisdom
Elizabeth Allemann, MD
May 24, 2009 - 5:16amColumbia Missouri
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