Health First Trauma Surgeon to Seniors: 'We Have Incredible Tools To Prolong Life'

November 03, 2022

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HEALTH FIRST TRAUMA SURGEON ASHLEE MOORE, MD, spoke to an audience of seniors over a free lunch in October about sudden, trauma-related hospital visits and the importance of designating a health advocate. "I work to try to get that person back home at the same quality of life they had before. It doesn't matter how old you are.”

Health First Trauma Surgeon Ashlee Moore, MD, saw it firsthand with her great-grandmother. Lack of communication may result in unwanted life-extending care in Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units.

Moore shared her experiences with Brevard County residents gathered for a free lunch and learn Oct. 17 at One Senior Place in Viera.

A stroke resulted in significant limitations for her great-grandmother. Eventually, she had difficulty swallowing. At the hospital, she struggled even to breathe.

“No one clearly asked us, ‘What do you want us to do?’” the surgeon recalled. “‘Would she want to be on a breathing machine?’ ‘If her heart stops, does she want to be resuscitated?’”

This was 20 years ago in Wisconsin. After a few days in the hospital, her heart stopped.

“At 88, she wasn’t happy living the way she was,” Dr. Moore said.

“We should have had an opportunity to speak to someone the moment she was admitted. To say, ‘This is a woman who simply needs to be made comfortable and allow her family to spend some time with her.’”

To read the full story in Space Coast Daily, CLICK HERE.