Resources and Information for End of Life Planning

Overview

We understand that planning for end of life isn’t something often thought about. But it is important to have a plan in place. Things to consider:

  • Where to receive medical services when nearing end of life
  • How to be cared for
  • To whom or where personal belongings go to
  • Funeral and burial
  • How to be remembered

Additionally, it may be difficult to navigate these conversations. A great place to start is with the Conversation Guide

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Choices in Caring

What is important to you?

How do you like to be cared for? Do you like when your family is involved in your care? What are your favorite activities? 

These are all important questions that we have laid out in an easy to understand document: Choices in Caring.

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Decision Aid

What is Artificial Hydration?

Artificial hydration is a medical treatment that gives water and sometimes salt for the body. This is done when a person is not able to drink enough on their own or when they have problems swallowing.

What is CPR

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is an attempt to re-start a person’s heart. This is done when the heart has stopped beating or cannot pump blood.

What is Tube-Feeding or artificial nutrition?

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What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care can occur at any stage of serious illness and it’s intended to be delivered concurrently with all other treatments and services. It typically is covered by medical insurance but not as a defined benefit (mostly; the insurance industry is actively experimenting with novel ways of covering it). You’ll likely have copays. Availability of Palliative Care is mostly in hospitals.

Palliative Care and Hospice Care: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Palliative Performance Scale
Palliative Performance Scale - Additional Version