Introduction
Under normal circumstances, it is very unlikely that health professionals will advise patients not to have dialysis, even when unsure about the outcomes. They prefer allowing patients to make personalized decisions, holding on to the smallest possibility of success in prolonging life. However, I believe there should be an age restriction on which patients receive dialysis, as Ferrini and Ferrini (2012) argue. Many ethical questions arise since much money is used for dialysis, with little chance of success and an increased possibility of worsening elderly patients’ conditions.
Discussion
Younger people should be prioritized on dialysis treatment because there are high chances of prolonging life than in the old. The procedure is expensive, and funding for every person who needs it can be considered a wastage of taxpayers’ money. Furthermore, some older adults suffer kidney failure due to failure to take care of themselves, unlike the young, whose condition is for other uncontrollable causes. Based on this, the young should be prioritized in dialysis treatment as their prolonged lives can add value to society and the lives of their loved ones.
The necessity to deny dialysis to the over-80s is more significant when the patients are ill or demented. However, when there is a promising possibility of prolonging lives, the elderly can receive the treatment. The physician should keep a close watch to notice any negative changes when elderly patients receive dialysis treatment. Negative outcomes should call for immediate termination of dialysis and appropriate intervention. While the weight of the decision lies on the patients, they may not understand the dialysis process and the risks involved among the elderly. The physician, therefore, plays a significant role and should be part of every decision, including warning against dialysis to some patients.
Conclusion
Conclusively, healthcare should be rationed based on age in circumstances where treatment options are expensive, and there is no hope for achieving the desired outcomes. There is no need to spend heavily on patients over 80 years old, who might not live for even a year after starting the treatment. These options should be for younger generations, which can be productive and lead successful lives upon recovery. However, the right of every patient at any age to choose their future should be respected and valued. They only need help to determine the best treatment options based on cost and benefits after treatment.
Reference
Ferrini R. L. & Ferrini A.F. (2012). Health in the later years. McGraw-Hill Education.