Dying at Grace

Dying at Grace

This is not only about dying at Grace, but also dying with Grace. This heavily laced with religious sentiments, 148 minutes documentary by Allan King documents 5 incurably ill patients in the ***Palliative Care Unit at Toronto Grace Hospital.

Some share their organs - they shared their last days of their lives on this planet with the film makers with a view that it might perhaps help the living in coping up with death.

This is a documentary which should be viewed compulsorily by all the doctors and nurses in all the hospitals in India.

The experience might change your views on euthanasia and why we find it horrendous on the issue of physician assisted right to die with dignity.

We instead put our loved ones under machines and allow fate to pass through the process of dying and suffering in pain and without dignity – and all this for a few weeks. {It was pleasant and charming to see one of the patients declining any form of Artificial Life Support}. And (oh!) yes, if you are not insured, woe to you!!! – Because they will take away ALL you have so that the patient can afford to die (in peace!).

It is indeed a cliché – but yes, start taking advantage of whatever is left of your life or whatever life has to offer you. Travel, Cook, Smoke, Drink, Read, Watch Movies, Write, Make friends or be alone – whatever your good health has to offer you – before you take to your walker or to your bed - permanently.

It leaves me wondering - how would I die?

***By the way : Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.