Help explaining advanced directive to my dad
My dad was diagnosed with als in Jan but had symptoms much earlier. He is long time diabetic (well managed) but when he started having issues with his extremities his then GP wrote it off as diabetic related.
Realistically he has months to live. He is in his mid 80s. We have an amazing als care team now and his breathing and having enough air to speak is waning quickly. He is on bipap most of the time. Swallowing ok. Losing massive weight and was thin to begin with.
I am the out of town sibling and offered to have the advanced directive discussion. The als team tried to during clinic earlier this week but he felt they were acting like his death was imminent. He thinks he has longer to make the decision. Understandably this has all moved very quickly but if he wants a trach the time for surgery is now. Also he started voice mapping but we are likely too late on that too.
My sister and his long time companion want me to explain that before ALS he and my mom had a DNR.
Any advice on how to explain the invasive life saving interventions will be much appreciated.
I have gained so much from everyone on this sub. ALS is a nightmare we can’t wake up from but I have found grace here. 🙏