[chaosmaster1]

I need to know if doctor assisted death is legal in Virginia and North Carolina.
My grandmother is 79 years old and has suffered a massive/major stroke and is brain dead with no chance of ever recovering. Her living will states that she is not to be resuscitated and does not want to be a vegetable. Can anyone provide me a place or recommend a lawyer who can advise me on this. I appreciate your help

[JudyKayTee]

Are you asking about taking her off life support or something else?

If she is brain dead (as you say) Physician assisted death is not an option because in a Physician assisted death the medication must be self administered. She is incapable of self administering.

Have you discussed other options with her Physician?

[chaosmaster1]

She is not on life support and her living will says that she does not want to be in a vegetative state. I'm just trying to find out the facts before I talk to the doctor.

[JudyKayTee]

The fact about Physician-assisted death is that it is not possible under these circumstances.

If she's not on life support of any type (she's not on a feeding tube?) there is little you or a Physician can do.

[chaosmaster1]

Her living will states that there is to be no medicine/machines to keep her alive. I brought her home so she can die in peace. Thanks for your help

[JudyKayTee]

I'm very familiar with living wills. My experience has been that they are often ignored.

She's lucky to have you.

[chaosmaster1]

Yea. I just hope she passes quickly and does not suffer too much

[Fr_Chuck]

If she is not in a hospice program, see about it right away.
They try to keep the person from feeling very much pain, and let them pass with dignity

[chaosmaster1]

She is in hospice care at her house and my mother has moved in and is helping take care of her and keep her comfortable. She suffered a small stroke about 2 weeks ago and then last Friday suffered a massive stroke.

[Wondergirl]

Play her favorite music or, if you don't know what that is, play harp music and David Lanz and Jim Brickman, make sure the room smells nice (aromatherapy), hold her hand and reminisce with her (even if you don't think she can hear you) about the "olden days" when the two of you had good times (shopping or dinners or holidays), lightly massage her hands and feet and arms with pleasant-smelling creams, avoid bright lights and loud voices.

[JudyKayTee]

I should have mentioned the "hear you" part. You can never be 100% sure that a person cannot hear what is going on. I absolutely allowed no one to say anything upsetting in my late husband's presence during his last days - and that included medical personnel.