A surgeon, planning to do surgery on an elderly gentleman explained to the man’s daughter his use of “5 F’s” to evaluate the suitability of an elderly person for surgery (beyond the obvious medical conditions and likelihood of surviving surgery itself.)
They are:
- “Family” support and care.
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“Friends”.
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“Faith”.
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“Food” (described as having the desire and ability to enjoy hearty, healthy living including sill having a good appetite).-
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“Finances” (having sufficient resources to be able to care for one’s self and provide a decent quality of life.)
It made me think…,, Does that mean that if one has those things, (s)he can make the case for continued interventional medicine, even at advanced age?
When those begin to wane, can one’s case for aggressive medical care no longer be justified?
Hmmmmmm, if those things have waned, does one wish to have continued aggressive care to stay alive?
One should consider the risks of becoming old and alone, or old and an emaciated, finicky eater, or old and poor..
God has promised that His grace is sufficient. I have asked God to keep my physical body and mind working for as long as He desires to use me (which I hope will be as long as I live!) I am trusting the sufficiency of His promises.