12/28/2021
Discussion Questions for Being Mortal (Atul Gawande)
1. Do you think most American families can care for an elderly relative? Could you?
2. Gawande makes the point that sudden death is less likely than a slow decline in health and the inability to care for oneself, extending the process of dying. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each? What are the implications for the medical community and other institutions?
3. How important is communication to you? When Bella lost her hearing, Felix hit a very low point. What do you think he would have done had Bella not regained her hearing?
4. Why do most people dread going into today’s nursing homes? Do you think some nursing homes are still similar to prisons? How? What are the practical challenges for institutional staff to meet the needs of the residents who want to lead meaningful lives?
5. If you were in a nursing home, would food be the “Hundred Years’ War”? What would you insist on? Should safety still be a priority?
6. Why did the addition of animals trigger so many improvements among nursing home residents? What do your own animals add to your life?
7. Gawande speaks of “curbing the medical imperative.” P. 149 “When should we try to fix, and when should we not?” Why do you think it’s so difficult for doctors and/or families to refuse or curtail treatment? How should priorities be set? How can we avoid ICUs that turn out to be, as one doctor commented, “a warehouse for the dying”?
8. Cost and insurance is a factor. If patients had to pay out of pocket for end-stage care, do you think they would choose less? What are the pros and cons?
9. Have you had the family meetings described on P. 181? What role can a palliative care specialist play? How can we find a balance between providing care and honoring the wishes of a loved one?
10. Would you prefer hospice care in your home or the “village” approach of places like Athens Village? What are the benefits or shortfalls of each?
