Dear O Sung Wu,

I have heard (and read a great deal) about cases like the one
you mentioned. And it is shocking that our most vulnerable
people can get treated in this way. Why on earth don't we demand
that our politicians do something about it? Nobody deserves
this. And the aged care facilities are making huge profits
for themselves and for their share-holders. We need more attention
paid to the kind of services and care that these places actually
provide before they get accredited. Guidelines need to be put
in place. And guidelines should also ensure that these places
are charging people what is allowed and not double-dipping
and ripping people off. I've read about several class-actions
that have been taken recently against some of these service
providers. Perhaps this will shake some of them up.
Although I won't hold my breath.

It looks like there's not much interest in this topic
and that it appears to have run its course.
Thank You to all those who contributed.

We are living too long.
The reality is that is it were not for artificial means, and that includes life sustaining drugs, we would not be in this dilemma.
'Quality of life' is not defined by those living it but by the invisible bureaucracy influenced by religious organisations and drug companies.
Those that want to die are denied simply because it would create a large economic chasm in society.
Aged care is a self serving industry.
The right to decide for themselves is denied to those who believe they've had enough
The first company selling the 'right to die' outside the sphere of western influence, such as on a remote island such as Fiji is going to make a fortune, to the horror of the drug companies.

There are many older people who are very active.
Many look after grand-children, travel, play sport,
volunteer, as well as those who have decided to
keep on working and not retire as yet. Our family
doctor for example is well over 70. I guess we shouldn't
make generalisations, instead we need to look at each
individual case by case. Most people would of course
prefer to continue living in their own homes - if help
was available to those that may need it. This is something
that governments need to consider when framing policies.

I believe that the Government has recognised
some of the needs of our ageing population in their
budget this year - by allocating resources to encouraging people
to remain in their own homes.

Dear Foxy,

«It looks like there's not much interest in this topic»

This is not true, I was intending to contribute to your thread, but ended up not finding the time.

Sorry for that, I do agree with what you said.