Introduction

Euthanasia has been explained as the practice of intentionally ending an individual’s life in order to relieve suffering and pain. There are laws that have been developed in each country to manage issues related to euthanasia in every country (Clery, McLean,& Phillips2007, p. 35). However, research and analysis explain the concept that various laws governing euthanasia in diverse countries are different (Department of Health). In a situation where the patient has asked for euthanasia, the process is termed as voluntary euthanasia. It is evident that some nations have laws that allow euthanasia under some circumstances (Bust 2008, p. 12). Research states the fact that there is a debate on the legal, ethical, and moral issues of euthanasia. On one hand, proponents of euthanasia rights emphasize personal autonomy, self-determination, bodily integrity, and alleviating suffering. On the other hand, opponents of euthanasia argue for the sanctity of life. Various jurisdictions where euthanasia is legal include Luxembourg, Estonia, Netherlands, Albania, Belgium, Switzerland, and the US states of Montana, Oregon, and Washington (Chamber, Schwartz, &Boath2013, p. 56). The province of Quebec in Canada also started in 2015. The types of euthanasia include voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary euthanasia. Voluntary is when the patient has the consent that the process is being undertaken by them (Dyson & Brown2006, p. 38). Non-voluntary euthanasia involves a situation when the patient’s consent is not available. Involuntary euthanasia involves carrying out the process against the will of the patient. The fact that individuals are growing old has created an immense impact to processes undertaken in various nations, and the notion of introducing euthanasia still a debate in diverse nations (Einbinder 2010, p. 2).

The Changing International Demographics

Recent demographics illustrates that there is a reduced percentage of the number of doctors supporting euthanasia in the current years. A study undertaken in America explains the concept that 45 percent of Americans oppose the issue while 51 percent are in favor of the practice (McAndrew 2010, p. 87). The data has been ascertained to be similar to that collected previously over a span of 3 years (Fleming 1992, p. 1). It has also been established that the data are similar to that collected in the year 1996. Research also explains that in the interim, support of euthanasia started rising up to 68 percent and remained 60 percent through 2004 (Health, Wellness and Quality of Life Questionnaire).After that, data indicate that the percentage of individuals and doctors supporting euthanasia has been faltering (Harris 2005, p. 14).

Successful Ageing

It is the nature for individuals to grow old, as there is no instance where there will be stagnation of years (Nowak, 1992, p. 28). Despite the fact that there are increased rates of births encountered, the children grow and become old, which has been ascertained to create an immense impact on various procedures undertaken in diverse nations (Heller, Lee-Treweek, Katz, Stone, &Spurr 2005, p. 20). In 2012, it was explained that NHS doctors had been prematurely ending lives of thousands of patients who were considered as elderly. The primary reason according to the researchers was based on the notion that elderly patients are difficult to free up beds or manage. Research indicated that doctors had preferred implementation of euthanasia to the controversial ‘death pathway’ (Holtedhal1994, p. 11)

The NHS doctors confessed of having implemented the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) as a strategy to help in terminating elderly patients in various hospitals. In Britain, it has been ascertained that there are 450,000 deaths each year (Van der Wal, Van Eijk, &Leenen 1991, p. 10). The deaths are from patients who are under NHS or in thehospital. Around 29 percent of the total numbers of patients, 130,000 were patients who were ascertained to be on the LCP (Mace&Rabins 2011, p. 57).

Quality of Life and Wellbeing

            Research and analysis clearly illustrate the concept thatquality of life and well-being in old age is essential and can contribute to a decision of whether to end one’s life (Van der Wal1996, p. 33).Despite the fact that an individual may be considered as old and not effective in helping undertake diverse procedures in the nation, there should be respect, dignity, and consideration in ensuring all lives are supported (NHS).Individuals at their old age should not be abused in the society, and the government administrators as well as the health care professionals should define measures that promote sustenance of life despite the circumstance (Philips, Ajrouch, &Hillcoat-Nalletamy 2010, p. 25). There are some reasons that have been provided by clinical doctors on why euthanasia should be practiced on individuals at their old age, including the concept that they are difficult to handle. However, older people have the right to live just as the young and youths in the society. The main issue remains a concern, and the question is the following: do older people have a choice of how they die? (Seltzer, Krauss, &Janicki1994, p. 53)

Various facilities have been known to exist, which are used to assist in euthanasia. It is explained that hospitals, including psychiatric ones, have been used for the procedures involved in euthanasia. For instance, in the years 1939, mass murder and mass sterilizations were performed on individuals who havebeen considered as mentally and physical disable. The process was carried out in the Hadamar Euthanasia Centre in Germany (Stolberg 2007, p. 206).

It has been explained that euthanasia is not ethical as it involves taking away an individual’s life without their consent (Van der Maas 1996, p. 45). It is a requirement of health care professionals to ascertain patient’s illness and seek guidance on what should be done to  advance and save life instead of terminating it (The Warwick-Edinburgh, Mental Wellbeing Scale).It is also expected that the doctors operating in nations where euthanasia has been allowed should ask for the patient’s will and consent about issues related to euthanasia before implementation (Zebrowski 2013, p. 20).

Caring for an Older Person

Caring for elderly individuals in the society has been ascertained to involve multi-agencies which work together (Tebb 1995, p. 4). However, research and analysis explain that elderly people have not been being taken good care of in various communities over the years (McCamish-Svensson2002, p. 58). There are diverse processes that have been developed and implemented in the society which have been ascertained to create an immense impact on the social life and well-being of older individuals (Muller1995, p. 72).For instance, introduction of Occupational Therapy (OT) has been used in various hospitals on older people, impact of NHS of an ageing population, and bed blocking as well as internal politics (YouGov/University of Lancaster 2013).

The occupational therapists have been found to help individuals considered as old in the society to continue with their daily activities successfully (Krout&Wethington 2003, p. 79). Research and analysis clearly illustrate the concept that activities that assist in maintaining well-being and health of an individual are significant to them. The process has helped in ensuring that various physical elements of elderly people in the society are promoted (Van der Maas,Van Delden, &Pijnenborg 1992, p. 2).

The scholars have also explained that occupational therapists help with cognitive elements by advising in safety from cooking to road awareness, adapting a person’s home to make life easier, and “helping an older person find strategies for managing on a day-to-day basis” (Schweitzer& Bruce 2008, p. 15). The processes have been helpful in facilitating improvement of various conditions experienced by older people (Watts, Robertson, &Baker2000, p. 26).

Some activities that have also been promoted by occupational therapists have helped in solving various psychological issues. OT provides strategies aimed at helping an individual tobuild stamina and strength, as well as improve their balance (Schweitzer& Bruce2008, p. 21). The procedures have been helpful in ensuring old individuals are confident, which allows them to operate freely without feeling that they are being discriminated (Anonymous 1987, p. 163).

There are activities undertaken in OT which assist in risk identification. These activities include identifying various home hazards that may be considered as risk to an elderly person (Prior 2002, p. 7). It is evident that OT has created a positive impact on the society as it has helped provide conducive environment for growth and success of individuals considered as old in the society (Schaie&Uhlenberg 2007, p. 6).The occupational therapists can be explained as a multi-disciplinary team as they have helped to facilitate diverse procedures undertaken by individuals in their old age (Carnwell&Buchana 2005, p. 41). They have helped in ensuring individuals are comfortable and appreciate their stay in diversehomes. Therefore, managers in various institutions and hospitals should devise and implement strategies that aim at improving the state of older individuals in the society. The process can be attained successfully by incorporating diverse strategies used by occupational therapists (Burgess 2010).

Research and analysis clearly explain the concept that NHS has created an impact on the ageing population (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists). Statisticsstates that NHS’s future is in danger, based on the concept that its model of care cannot meet various demands that are growing. The demands include treatment, which is caused by population, which is ageing (Ruger 2010, p. 14).It is explainedthe strategies used by the NHS have not been updated and has createda negative impact on its effectiveness in the medical industry (College of Occupational Therapists).

Since there is an increase in need for health and social care in the society, it has been hard for the NHS to function properly (Scaffa, Reitz, &Pizzi 2010, p. 5).Research and analysis explain that various strategies and models of application of the NHS are not expected to be reliable in the future. It is also evident that patients with more complex needs will require improved facilities and medication, which cannot be accessed through the NHS. The notion has adversely influenced the health of the ageing population, which is also negative to the whole society (Delehanty&Ginzler2005, p. 55).

It has been illustrated that acuity is increasing in the NHS department. It has been stated that if NHS has to continue various operations in the medication industry, there should be a struggle for improving its services to the community (Glasby&Littlechild 2004, p. 58). The process might requireintroduction and implementation of new skills, knowledge and modes of operation which will be aimed at creating positive impact on the department. Improvement of facilities will also be an expense that will be incurred by managers and human resources team of NHS. There are also some modifications that have been experienced with theintroductionin technology, which will also create an immense impact (Judith, Kristine,& Sarah 2010, p. 6).Theare repeated admission in hospitals that apply the sue of NHS, since the activities undertaken are not updatedand quality. The NHS has also created adverse impacts since a combination of services is required for improved standards but is not being attained (Gantz 2010, p. 78).

NHS has not improved its operational standards, which has also affected the number of staffs available to cater for older individuals in the society. It is explained that the situation that will be experienced in future will deteriorate if application of NHS strategies is promoted.Application of NHS services also requires that there is a greater reliance on equipment due to lack of enough staff. Therefore, there will be a necessity for more medications in diverse hospitals (Early 2013, p. 56).

Bed blocking and internal politics have created an immense impact on the society and has even promoted issues related to euthanasia. The patient age has been found to create difficult circumstances to health care practices, especially if the patient is old. The movement and other activities can lead to doctors deciding to implement euthanasia.To improve the processes undertaken in the health care centers, there is a need for patient facilities as well as safeguarding measures, which will help reduce cases of euthanasia (Will& Moreira2010,p. 26).

International and National Government Policy of Assisted Suicide

            Assisted suicide has been an issue of concern in diverse nations and hospitals. It has been explained that international laws do not promote the aspect of euthanasia. However, in some nations, the laws have been designed to promote the practice (Weisz2006, p. 10). Medically, it is not allowed to carry out euthanasia especially if the consent of the patient has not been sought. Therefore, government administrators should consider the impact of euthanasia in various communities before introducing it to the nation (Wal G van der, Dillmann 1994, p. 87).

 

References

Anonymous, 1987. Final report of the Dutch State Commission on Euthanasia: an English summary. Bioethics. 1: pp.163-74.

Burgess. J, 2010. Dignity through action, HSCAS, (online) Available from http://www.hascas.org.uk/pdf_files/DIGNITY%20THROUGH%20ACTION%20RESOURCES%20PACKAGE%202010/PRESENTATIONS%20IN%20PDF/DTA(OP)%20R1.%20Presentation%202%20FD%20Older%20Peoples%20Challenges%20Ver%201.0.pdf [accessed June 25th 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u_YMk0o1TI

Bust. P, 2008. Contemporary ergonomics 2008. London: Taylor & Francis.

Carnwell, R. and Buchanan, J, 2005. Effective practice in health and social care. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. www.csp.org.uk– should be properly cited

Chambers, R., Schwartz, A. and Boath, E, 2003. Beating stress in the NHS. Abingdon, U.K.: Radcliffe Medical Press. – this reference lacks in-text citation

College of Occupational Therapists. www.cot.co.ukshould be properly cited

Clery E, McLean S, Phillips M, 2007. Quickening death: the euthanasia debate, in Parks A, Curtice J, Thomson K, Phillips M and Johnson M (eds.) British Social Attitudes: the 23rd report: perspectives on a changing society London, Sage: pp.35-54

Department of Health. www.gov.ukshould be properly cited

Delehanty, H. and Ginzler, E, 2005. Caring for your parents.New York: Sterling Pub.

Dyson, S. and Brown. B, 2006. Social theory and applied health research. Maidenhead, England: Open University Press.

Einbinder. L, 2010. Transforming health care through information. New York: Springer.

Early, M, 2013.Physical dysfunction practice skills for the occupational therapy assistant. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier/Mosby.

Fleming,  J. L, 1992. Euthanasia, The Netherlands and slippery slopes. Bioethics Res Notes. 4 (suppl.): 1-4.

Gantz, N, 2010. 101 global leadership lessons for nurses. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International.

Harris. S, 2005. Chart audit of pre-discharge occupational therapy home assessment visits.

Health, wellness and Quality of Life Questionnairewhat is this?should be properly cited

Heller, T., Lee-Treweek, G., Katz, J., Stone, J. and Spurr, S (eds.), 2005. Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. London: Routledge.

Holtedhal K, 1994. Euthanasia: the slippery slope. Fam Pract. pp.11:95.

Glasby, J. and Littlechild, R, 2004. The health and social care divide. Bristol: Policy.

Judith, P. Kristine, A. and Sarah. H, 2010. Key Concepts in Social Gerontology .(2010)

Krout, J. and Wethington, E, 2003. Residential choices and experiences of older adults. New York: Springer.

McAndrew, S, 2010. Religious faith and contemporary attitudes, in Park A, Curtice J, Thomson K, Phillips A, Clery E, Butt S (eds) British Social Attitudes: 2009-2010. The 26th Report London, Sage: 87-113.

Mace, N. and Rabins, P, 2011. The 36-hour day. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

McCamish-Svensson, C, 2002. The components of well-being among older persons. Lund.

Muller, M. T. et. al, 1995. Active Euthanasia and Physical-assisted suicide in Dutch Nursing home: patients’ characteristics. Age Ageing. 24: pp.249-33.

NHS Choices www.nhs.uk – lacks in-text citation, should be appropriately cited

Nowak R, 1992. The Dutch way of death. New Scientist. pp.135: 28-30.

Phillips, J., Ajrouch, K., Hillcoat-Nalletamy, S, 2010. Key Concepts in Social Gerontology. London: Sage.

Prior., P, 2002. Gender and Health Care in the United Kingdom. Palgrave Macmillan.

Ruger, J, 2010. Health and social justice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Satisfaction With Life Scale, 1985. – lacks in-text citation. And what is this?

Schaie, K. and Uhlenberg, P, 2007. Social Structures. Springer Publishing Company LLC.

Scaffa, M., Reitz, S. and Pizzi, M, 2010. Occupational therapy in the promotion of health and wellness. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Co.

Seltzer, M., Krauss, M. and Janicki, M, 1994. Life course perspectives on adulthood and old age. Washington, DC: American Association on Mental Retardation.

Schweitzer, P. and Bruce, E, 2008. Remembering yesterday, caring today. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Stolberg, M, 2007. Active euthanasia in pre-modern society, 1500-1800: learned debates and popular practices, Social history of medicine, 20(2): 205-231.

Tebb, S, 1995. Coping successfully. New York: Garland Pub.

The Warwick-Edinburgh, Mental Wellbeing Scale. What is this?

Van der Wal., G, 1996. Cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide reported to the publicprosecutor in North Holland over 10 years. Br Med J. 314: pp.33-612.

Van der Wal G, Van Eijk, J. T, and Leenen H. J, 1991. Euthanasia and assisted suicide in the home situation. I. Diagnoses, ages and sex of the patients (in Dutch).pp.1593-8.

Van der Maas, P. P, 1996. Changes in Dutch Opinions on Active Euthanasia. 273: pp.1411-4.

Van der Maas P. J, Van Delden J. J, Pijnenborg L, 1992. Euthanasia and other medical decisions concerning the end of life. Health Policy. 22 (special issue): pp.1-262.

Wal G van der, Dillmann RJM, 1994. Euthanasia in The Netherlands. Br Med j. 308: pp.1346-9.World Federation of Occupational Therapists www.wfot.org

Watts, J., Robertson, N. and Baker, R. (2000). Exploring nurses’ experiences of older adult care.

Weisz, G, 2006. Divide and conquer. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Will, C. and Moreira, T, 2010. Medical proofs, social experiments. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate.

YouGov/University of Lancaster, 2013. http://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/qsaixtu2j4/YG-Archive-University-of-Lancaster-300113-faith-matters-euthanasia.pdf
YouGov/IFDiD (2013) http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/qfxfmkooe6/YG-Archive-Dignity-in-Dying-results-240413-assisted-dying-full-religion.pdf

Zebrowski, T, 2013. The role of occupational therapy in lifestyle redeign with independent living senior citizens.

Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?