Governor Kasich has proclaimed Oct. 14 - 20, 2012, Ohio Advance Directives Week. Use our free on-line resources to read more about end of life planning and to complete a living will and power of attorney for health care.
The decisions a person makes regarding their healthcare preferences and treatment wishes at the end of life are extremely important. As a result, the Midwest Care Alliance (formerly the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization), in collaboration with the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Osteopathic Association and the Ohio State Medical Association have published two documents to help patients have discussions and complete forms on how to deal with life threatening situations when a patient cannot speak for him/herself.
Conversations That Light the Way is a workbook designed to assist you in making choices about the kind of health care you want as you journey through the final phases of life. Although this subject can be uncomfortable for many people to address, it is important that each person has the opportunity to make these important choices for themselves. The workbook contains questions, prompts and information designed to help you consider and discuss choices at the end of life. You may want to revisit this workbook over the years as these conversations take time and your decisions and choices may change.
For additional information, see the articles below and visit these web sites:
It's Never too Early to Start End-of-Life Planningby John C. Wolf, DOThe natural consequence of being born is death. Most of us will have at least some advanced warning before we die from diseases such as heart disease or cancer. Some of us will die suddenly and unexpectedly. It's never too early to start end of life planning. Details > |
Bringing Cultural and Spiritual Sensitivity to End-of-Life CareThe ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity that gives America its own unique background is also adding a new dimension to the special needs that healthcare practitioners must address when providing end-of-life care to members of these different communities. Details > |
Managing Pain Effectively to Assure Quality of Life at End of LifeEffectively managing the physical pain associated with terminal illness does not extend a dying person's life. However, lessening that pain can enhance the quality of life at the end of life by enabling people to coherently discuss a child's future, put their affairs in order, or perhaps even visit a special place one last time. Details > |
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for PainOMT is effective as an adjunctive therapy to help control and ease somatic pain that many people suffer from during the final stages of life. Somatic pain includes that of the muscles, skin, bone, and other soft tissues. Details > |
Osteopathic Medicine and End-of-Life CareAs the average life expectancy in the US increases and the number of older Americans continues to rise, more and more adults, their families, and healthcare professionals are addressing the many issues and decisions surrounding "end-of-life" care and support. Details >
|
Financing End-of-Life Care ProgramsTypically, hospice care at the end of life is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance companies, and managed care organizations. Community contributions, memorial donations, and other gifts often make free care possible for patients without sufficient funds, and some programs charge patients according to their ability to pay. Details > |
A Message from Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) . . .Hospice Care Enhances Dignity and Peace As Life Nears Its EndHospice care, a fully reimbursable Medicare Part A benefits option for beneficiaries and providers since 1983, offers the services designed to address the physical and emotional pain through effective palliative treatment when cure is not possible. Details > |