Dilemma

[mindstalk]

What do you do when someone really really needs to go to the hospital, but really really doesn't want to go? I was raised with a horror of forced hospitalization; it's biting me now.

Comments

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

If it's life-threatening and it's not completely against their religion? I would hate to do it, but I would have them forced into the hospital.

[pompe.livejournal.com]

Find a friendly doctor to make a home visit and let him/her explain the person really has to go.

[lyceum-arabica.livejournal.com]

I agree... merciless nagging and guilt-tripping combined with well-researched appeals to authority would be my first tactic. make sure they fully understand and cannot avoid thinking about *everything* that's at stake. ...if people aren't permitted to ignore the reality of the situation, they'll often make the sensible choice on their own, at least, that's been my experience. it's just that people are often very creative and persistant about ignoring the reality of a situation.

er. if that failed and it was a life-threatening problem, i guess i'd go for saving their life though.

(good luck)

[fanw.livejournal.com]

Hmm. This is a hard one. You need to balance respect for the persons wishes (including the wish to die at home) and your own wishes. You might want to make it clear to yourself and to them what it is you want and what you would feel obliged to do. That is, there are two levels. The first is "You really need a doctor. I don't want you to die." And the second (if the first doesn't work) is something along the lines of, "If I saw you really having trouble I couldn't just do nothing. I would have to call 911". Make it clear what your opinion is, and what would trigger you taking action.

I think people have a right to act as they choose, but you have a right to tell them how you feel and act if you feel their life depends upon it.