Planning & Support
Advance Care Planning
It’s never too early to start thinking about advance care planning. Ideally, everyone would document their healthcare goals and end of life wishes while in good health and capable of making informed decisions. Determining what matters most and communicating those preferences provides a framework for others to provide care in accordance with one’s values and wishes.
-Providing information to make informed decisions
-Guiding discussions to determining goals of care
-Completing advance care paperwork such as:
Advance Care Directive
Health Care Agent
POLST
-Reviewing and updating advance care plans that no longer meet goals of care
-Facilitating communication of advance care directives
-Guidance around storing and accessing documents.
End of Life Planning & Support
-Providing holistic, non-medical support to those facing a terminal illmess
-Encouraging and guiding open communication
-Information and education about the dying process
-Emotional support: listening, validation of feelings, encouragement, empowerment, and reassurance.
-Spiritual support: respecting and honoring diverse beliefs and cultural practices
-Comfort measures: guided relaxation, breathing exercises and positioning
-Finding meaning in this time: legacy work, life review and connection with loved ones
At the end of life, it’s imperative that one’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs are attended, their wishes and values understood and respected, and that they are able to die with dignity, surrounded by love and support.
-Practical support: information and education about the dying process, resources, caregiver guidance and coordination of care
-Vigil planning, guidance about end of life rituals and practices, and support and presence at time of death
Grief Support
Finding meaning, healing and hope in the midst of our grief honors our love and connection to those who are no longer here with us.
-Individual and group support
-Compassionate presence, active listening and validation of feelings
-Education about the grieving process
-Engaging in legacy work
--Practices and rituals to promote healing and honor loved ones
-Information about grief resources
-Engaging in memorial and legacy work to promote healing
-Processing, support and memorial rituals following pregnancy loss.