Mr. Blejnar lives with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He and his wife recognize that this is a life-limiting illness. With this illness trajectory, he understands that there are times when his health is optimal and times where his condition may quickly deteriorate. During these times, he may require hospitalization.
Mr. Blejnar's family physician began these conversations early in his diagnosis and throughout his illness journey, his team keeps him informed regarding his condition and his associated care options.
It is Mr. Blejnar's wish to remain at home. He verbalizes that he does not wish to go to the hospital should his condition worsen. He understands the implications of this decision and knows that he has a right to change his decision at any given time.
He also understands that should his condition worsen to the point that he is not able to verbalize his wishes, that his wife would then act on his behalf in accordance with his wishes and desires as his substitute decision-maker.
To learn more about informed consent and decision-making visit the Health Care Consent Act [New tab] and the Substitute Decisions Act [New tab]. |