[Dysphagia] RE: NY Times Article--Right to Choose

[chcky619 at bellsouth.net (Ralph and Patti)]

I believe that we as professionals are charged with the awesome task of counseling and facilitating.  My favorite story is about a DD client (listening Craig?) who threw his shoe periodically during the day.  Staff was desperate for resolution of his behavior and I, as a consultant for this group home, was asked to write a program to insure he would not throw his shoe.  It was an easy fix--it was his communicative behavior to tell the staff that he needed to be toiledted.  Having said that--I will make a great leap of faith--trusting that the listserve is on the same page.  To refuse to eat is an incredibly strong message to caregivers.  If we don't respect that and counsel families about the behavior, I believe we are doing a great disservice to our profession.  The right to choose is sometimes all that is left in life.  The wisdom to know that a choice has been made is the "gut" instinct of our profession.  There is a "long goodbye" when dealing with interventions related to long term care.  Respect for the individual's choice insures our integrity.  When I am on that path, I hope to lead the parade.  Patti.