To introduce proactive advance medical care counseling services to the community, the Department of Public Health, Taoyuan is offering appointment-based, fixed-location advance medical care counseling and signing services in areas with limited medical resources, specifically in Guanyin Dist., Dayuan Dist., Xinwu Dist., Luzhu Dist., and Daxi Dist. Registered residents within these service areas are eligible for free counseling. Additionally, Saint Paul’s Hospital in our city provides free counseling for Taoyuan residents, budget permitting, with the goal of spreading the concept of a dignified end of life from hospitals to every household.
A 90-year-old grandmother has been battling multiple illnesses, including arrhythmia, heart failure, and kidney failure for years. Despite her doctor’s recommendation to undergo dialysis to maintain her quality of life, she remained resolute in her desire to avoid painful dialysis treatments and the insertion of a feeding tube. After a fall resulting in a hip fracture and subsequent surgery, complications such as pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, delirium, and seizures arose. The doctor assessed a poor prognosis and recommended palliative care. During a family meeting with the palliative care team, the son mentioned that his mother had repeatedly expressed her refusal of life-sustaining treatments and her wish for a peaceful farewell. They signed an advance medical decision document and updated her national health insurance card accordingly. The son expressed his gratitude for his mother’s proactive approach in ensuring a dignified end of life while she was conscious, allowing her to fulfill her final journey according to her wishes.
The Department of Public Health emphasizes that a good death requires advance planning. Taoyuan City’s advance medical care counseling organizations offer a range of counseling services, including video counseling for those who find it difficult to leave their home and visit medical facilities. Individuals can call the hospital to apply a digital counseling with the healthcare team. Home-based and facility-based counseling services are also available according to people’s needs. Currently, there are a total of 21 advance medical care counseling organizations. The public is encouraged to take the opportunity to initiate end-of-life discussions with family members and ensure a peaceful conclusion to their lives. For questions about signing documents regarding advance medical decisions, please contact the city’s advance medical care counseling organizations or call the healthcare hotline at 03-3349563 for inquiries.