Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED): A little Known End of Life Option

The Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team invite the public to attend a virtual presentation, Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED): A little Known End of Life Option on Sept 22.

As modern technology prolongs our lives, a life well-lived can often end with a long and painful struggle. Increasingly there are choices available about end-of-life options that afford greater personal control over the time and manner of death. A “good death” is more likely when medical practitioners and those supporting the dying person are more informed about these options.

The Project EngAGE End of Life Choices Senior Resource Team proudly hosts Elliott and Susan Schaffer for a discussion of the medical, ethical, and legal issues involving VSED, Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking. They will share with us the end of life story of Susan’s mother, Beatrice Belopolsky, a resident of a retirement community in New Jersey.

Presenters include:

• Elliott Schaffer, MD, retired geriatrician and former Medical Director at Martins Run Life Care Community in Media, Pa.
• Susan Schaffer, JD, retired attorney and former Senior Counsel at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept 22, from 4 – 5:15 pm via a virtual platform.  The room will accept entry beginning at 3:45 pm to assist with any questions or issues with using the platform prior to the start of the program.

For link information please contact Shenae McPherson at shmcpherson@orangecountync.gov

If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Thursday, Sept 17.