I've been thinking a great deal lately about the term "quality of life". When it comes to long-term care, these words are frequently bantered about ... sure, they sound good, but what do they really mean? The truth of the matter is that "quality of life" will mean different things to different people. "Quality of life" will also be practiced or provided in completely different forms as well. For the senior's family, this vague term may suggest the highest standards in accommodation and professional care while for longterm facility staff, "quality of life" may be defined as providing a senior three square meals per day, a shared room and proper medication dispensing.
The bottom line for caregivers is to identify what "quality of life" means to their parent and then practice this as diligently as possible. With my own parents, both insisted on being able to "contribute meaningfully" in some way. Even this statement can be misinterpreted, but what Mom and Dad never wanted was to be kept alive by artificial means. I can't say that I blame them in the least.
If your parent(s) is/are still cognitively aware, meet with them and openly discuss their future wants. Clarify any misunderstandings and get their final wishes written down on paper. If this is impossible, then look to your parent's living will ... chances are good that this issue will be covered.
Remember, that "quality of life" can be a highly confusing term; however, respect what your mother or father wants.
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