The POWER of Pet Therapy

The POWER of Pet Therapy

Carol Mestemacher, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Volunteer, and her partner, Magnum, Facility Dog at Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Hospice Home, Relais Bonne Eau, visited over 20 seniors at the Millstadt Senior Center on May 4^th to present “The POWER of Pet Therapy".  The shared their knowledge and wonderful experiences in pet therapy.  Trained by CHAMP Assistance Dogs, Magnum brings joy and comfort wherever he goes.  Regardless of a health or age, pet therapy has the power to positively impact people both physically and emotionally.  Carol and Magnum told heartwarming stories about their work with patients, families and the communities they serve.  Finally, they explained their volunteer work for Hospice of Southern Illinois and how pet therapy brings a special element to the end-of-life journey for patients and their family alike. The presentation was held outside on the front porch with an amazing breeze on a beautiful day!

Magnum and Carol are a certified Facility Dog Team and therapy Dog Team with CHAMP Assistance Dogs. They visit patients on a daily basis at the Hospice Home. Magnum and Carol work to promote the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois: to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness.

 

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is your community not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. Our commitment at Hospice of Southern Illinois is to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. For more information about Hospice of Southern Illinois or Pet Therapy, visit our website, www.hospice.org, or call, 618-235-1703.

 

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Hospice of Southern Illinois Saves the Day

At Hospice of Southern Illinois, the community education team is always thinking of new ways to educate the community and spread our mission, to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. We never thought this nifty little item would save the day for one of our fellow community healthcare providers. It just shows the power of a  little burgundy and a phone number. Thank you Kim for sharing your great story with our readers!

A little over a year ago, Hospice of Southern Illinois came by my office to drop off a very cute business card holder that was to attach to the back of my phone.  I almost didn’t put it on, because I was just sure I wouldn’t use it to tell the truth!  I did, and then off I went.

A few weeks later, I went to Colorado for a little vacation.  My best friend  and I had a fantastic week. On the last full day we had we took a picnic up the mountain!  We stopped and took picture of little creeks, elk, and deer all along the way.  It was a perfect day, until we got to her house. I was packing to leave for the next day.  I went to get my phone to call my children, and guess what? No phone!!!  I was frantic, of course, and looked all over – the house, my pockets, the car, driveway, etc.  Nothing.  We got back in the car and drove back up the mountain and spent two hours retracing our steps until it was dark.

The next day, I called my phone service and had it turned off.  We were just about to leave for some coffee when I remembered the lovely business card holder on the back of my phone!  I called them from my friend’s phone and explained my situation.  All of a sudden, the woman on the other end starting laughing!  She said “Well, you’re not going to believe this, but we just got a call from a woman in Colorado who has your phone!!! She left her number in case you called!”  Needless to say, I was thrilled!  I called her and we agreed to meet about halfway, which was about 45 minutes away.  Unfortunately, it did turn out that she found it on her PRIVATE lane that we had driven up just to get some pictures (ok, blame it on the wine!), but she thought it was such a good story that she only said, “You’re lucky I didn’t see you that day when I had my gun!”  Yikes! 

 
Happy ending with this happy girl and her FABULOUS business card holder from Hospice of Southern Illinois!

 

Kim Patterson,

Guest Blogger from The Colonnade Senior Living

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year

For many, the new year is a time to renew, refresh, and reflect. We want to take this time to thank you! Thank you for the many memories, support, and most importantly, trusting us with the care of your loved one. We appreciate everything you do for us and we are honored provide excellent hospice care to you and your loved ones.

Having trouble viewing? Click this link to watch: http://youtu.be/xgvGU1-PNoc. 

Wishing you the very best in the new year!

What does compassionate care mean?

"Compassion" is a word that is used commonly to describe hospice care. But what does compassion really mean? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “compassion is a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.” Hospice care provides just that. With a mission “to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness," compassion defines the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Compassion is the person who visits a family in crisis at 2 a.m. Compassion is a person who stays an extra hour to calm a worried child. Compassion is holding someone’s hand when no one else is there. Hospice of Southern Illinois wants to help our patients and families. Here are some examples describing how Hospice of Southern Illinois provides compassionate care:

·         Patients and families are our number one priority. We have special programs, like the We Honor Veterans partnership, to extend to patients and families to give them a personalized hospice experience catered to their needs and wishes.

·         Physicians work together to make sure patients’ wishes are carried out.

·         Nurses take time to educate patients and families about giving medications, how to care for a patient in their home, and what to expect in the future, which can relieve patients’ pain and reduce some families’ fear.

·         Social Workers/Counselors prepare patients and families for the stress and emotions that are in the journey ahead. They lend a listening ear to concerns and feelings at any stage of the end-of-life journey.

·         Bereavement counselors, in addition to routine follow-up after the loved one's death, reconnect with families on special occasions and holidays, because those times can be especially hard for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

·         Volunteers offer companionship and can allow for caregiver relief so the family can function as a unit and stay united during a difficult time.

·         Support staff works hard to make sure patients and families get the care they are entitled to regardless of age or ability to pay through education, community involvement, fundraising, and supporting daily operations.

Compassionate care is a team effort that takes passionate, dedicated and warm people. These people work together to provide the best end of life care possible, so no one goes through the dying process alone.

There comes a time... for compassionate care.  

Learn about Hospice of Southern Illinois, getting hospice services, and having your questions answered. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 800-233-1708 or visit our website for more information, www. hospice.org.

(Reference: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compassion) 

Three Things You Thought You Knew About Hospice

Three Things You Thought You Knew About Hospice

Hospice is often and unfortunately misrepresented to the general public. Often seen as the people who “come at the very end” or when someone is “giving up”, hospice is very much the opposite.

1.       Did you know hospice services can be utilized for up to 6 months?

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s NHPCO’s Facts and Figures on Hospice, “The median length of service in 2012 was 18.7 days. This means that half of hospice patients received care for less than three weeks. The average length of service increased from 69.1 days in 2011 to 71.8 in 2012.” These statistics tell us that a large percentage of patients are not receiving the full benefits of hospice care. Although we are seeing a slight increase in the average length of service, why don’t we see more people utilizing the hospice benefit longer? Some could be attributed to disease criteria, acceptance, or access to care. If patients, however, had 6 months to fully reflect and experience their end-of-life journey, maybe more people would have the opportunity to die their way: with dignity and grace.

2.       Choosing quality of life does not mean giving up.

When people elect their hospice benefit, it definitely doesn’t mean they are “giving up”. It can be hard for family to see that.  Their mind says, “Treatment means fighting for life”. Consider weighing the pain, suffering, and symptoms that may be associated with treatment. Choosing to forego curative treatments could alleviate certain stressors, symptoms and expenses. This is different than giving up. This is simply choosing quality of life, which take tremendous courage. Celebrate that decision and celebrate the time there is left with loved ones, while feeling as good as possible.

3.       Dying can be peaceful and graceful.

Death is very sad to accept and discuss. It is, however, unavoidable that we will all die. It is difficult to accept and reflect on this time and plan for a peaceful and graceful journey. Further, it is definitely not easy to understand how dying can be peaceful and graceful, but it is possible. Hospice of Southern Illinois can make it easier to understand, especially the longer the service is utilized. Nurses and hospice aides can address the physical/medical needs of patients; the counseling team can address emotional and spiritual wishes of the patient and family; and volunteers can provide companionship and relief of caregiving to let the family focus on being a family during the important time that is left. All members of the team are instrumental in assisting the patient and their family to honor the goals of care until the end of their journey. When the goals of care are honored, dying then becomes more peaceful and graceful.

Source: http://www.nhpco.org/sites/default/files/public/Statistics_Research/2013_Facts_Figures.pdf

Not all Hospices are the same. Ask for Hospice of Southern Illinois by name. 

Learn about Hospice of Southern Illinois, getting hospice services, and having your questions answered. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 800-233-1708 or visit our website for more information, www. hospice.org. 

5 Ways Hospice of Southern Illinois Celebrates Life

     

• Compassion

Compassion is what the hospice team does best. They offer comfort, love and respect for the patient which allows the patient to reflect on their life journey without feeling stress that can be associated with the end-of-life experience. They can focus on what really matters in life to them!

• Support System

Hospice becomes part of the support system which includes a team of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, counselors, and volunteers. This additional support allows family and friends to remain the family and friends who celebrate the moments of life with their loved one, rather than be caregivers providing care during those special moments with their loved one. This also gives patients their support system back. They can live as actively as possible with their family and friends until they pass.

• Family and Friends

Family and friends now have the opportunity to find relief, reduce stress and be the people celebrating life with the patient. Hospice gives them the opportunity to enjoy the precious time with their loved ones during the end-of-life journey they need and want.

• Building Memories

The best way to celebrate life is reflect on our past memories and building new ones. Although the end-of-life is a unique time, beautiful memories can still be made. Hospice of Southern Illinois' mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. Quality of life is all about building memories with those you love.

• It’s About How You Live

The number one way hospice helps celebrate life is showing everyone that life is about how you live! Whether there is 60 years, 6 months or 6 breaths… the final moments are those cherished most. If Hospice of Southern Illinois helps others be pain free, peaceful and loved, the end-of-life journey was a serene one. It isn't about the length of time, but the moments that filled that time that matter most. 

Hospice of Southern Illinois Homerun: All Good Things Come With Fredbird

Hospice of Southern Illinois Homerun

“All Good Things Come With Fredbird”

Fredbird arrived at Patsy’s home on Friday, June 13, 2014. Although Friday the 13^th is usually recognized as a superstitious day, this day definitely wasn’t an unlucky one and will be considered “super” for this patient and family who will always cherish the memories Fredbird made in their home that day.

 

{Click Here or Click The Photo to View Video}

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patient, Patsy, has been less responsive in the recent weeks. There is a joy of summer that still excites her, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, as many who live in the metro-east can relate. Patsy’s caregivers and hospice interdisciplinary team learned about her love of Cardinals Baseball during their visits to her home and conversations with her children, noticing it was one thing that would bring her joy. In an attempt to bring some fun-loving excitement which the family hasn’t seen lately due to caregiver stress, Patsy’s terminal illness, and the inconsistencies of day-to-day living, the employees at Hospice of Southern Illinois  reached out to Fredbird, who without words, said it all!

He was welcomed with a yard sign created by Patsy’s granddaughter and friend and a warm, yet quiet family in the living room, for Patsy did not know who was visiting that day. Patsy’s daughter had told her that she was getting a special surprise visitor that day, but she wouldn’t say who. As Patsy patiently waited for this “super” surprise guest, everyone’s excitement was building because we all knew what was about to happen.

 

Fredbird entered the kitchen where Patsy was waiting. Her face was in total shock. She had no idea what to say or how to respond to this 6’ 3”, red bird character we all know and love! He instantly was able to make her smile with a, “Whoot woo,” and boy did she blush. It was so beautiful to see her eyes light up and joy in her face. He proceeded to serenade her, dance with her, and shake his tail feather at her. Fredbird decided there was not enough laughing and decided to go through the pantry, gulp some milk, and share a round of high fives with Patsy, the family, and the Hospice of Southern Illinois team.

The volume in the house then exploded. All stresses and illness at that moment were nonexistent. Everyone was laughing, taking photos, and shaking a tail feather. “I have never seen anyone turn a room so fast. It was an epic moment to capture and moment to experience,” explained Christine Litteken, Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Print and Social Media Coordinator, who was taking photos. Fredbird turned his attention back to his guest of honor to give her one final kiss before he left. Of course he couldn’t leave without a bang. In a cabinet he found a blow horn which a family member blew his way. It knocked him off his feet as he stumbled down the hall and out the door leaving us all with a smile and memory to cherish in our hearts forever. As a Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employee, Kim Oplet mentioned when she saw the photos, “All good things come with Fredbird.”

A few days later some Hospice of Southern Illinois’ employees went back to deliver photos from the day to Patsy and her family. The same joy was reignited from Friday as she was sitting in her room waiting for the game to start. We knew it was a hospice homerun! With Fredbird’s help, we were able to eliminate all stress, pain, and worries in that moment; give the family a memorable day together; give our patient, Patsy, the experience of a lifetime that few get to have.  

That night the Cardinals played the Nationals with a 1-0 victory. We all know that Patsy’s love for the Cardinals, especially Fredbird, Yadier Molina and Matt Holiday, helped play a part in the win that night. A special thank you goes to the St. Louis Cardinals, Fredbird, and his team for the above-and-beyond effort that impacted someone’s life at such an important and critical time. That day he was a vision of our mission, to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness. It meant more to them and us than he will ever know.

Hospice of Southern Illinois Announces New Medical Director

Hospice of Southern Illinois Announces New Medical Director

 

Hospice of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce the hiring of Ellen Middendorf, M.D. as a full-time, on-staff Medical Director. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Middendorf to our organization. She will play a critical role to ensure the highest quality end-of-life care in the area to patients and families.  

Hospice of Southern Illinois’ President and CEO, Rebecca Wisdom, announces, “Dr. Middendorf will continue to maintain positive relationships with the medical community as well as the mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois. The addition of Dr. Middendorf to our staff confirms our commitment to end-of-life care in our communities.” All hospices are required by the government to have oversight from a Medical Director, or physician who reviews the needs of patients, but a full-time, on-staff Medical Director will play a more integral role for Hospice of Southern Illinois’ patients and families. Dr. Middendorf will be managing symptoms related to the diagnosis, visiting patients, and providing our professional staff with direct access to a doctor for on-the-spot medication and symptom management. Additionally, she will work with other healthcare physicians, advocate the importance of hospice care at the end-of-life, and educate the community on hospice services for their loved ones.

Dr. Ellen Middendorf shared, "I am excited to begin this next chapter in my career as the medical director of Hospice of Southern Illinois. I have always found it my passion to take care of families and their loved ones as they grow and thrive. As the lives of those we care for change, it is imperative to ensure that medical, emotional and spiritual issues continue to remain a priority, even, and particularly, at the end of life. Thus, I am eager to coordinate with Hospice of Southern Illinois to continue to provide this level of care to the families that need it most."

Hospice of Southern Illinois is your community not-for-profit hospice program serving 27 counties in southern Illinois since 1981. Our commitment at Hospice of Southern Illinois is to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. For more information about Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit our website, www.hospice.org, or contact Lisa Phillipson, 618-235-1703 or lphillipson@hospice.org.

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Hospice: A Healing Experience

Even though many folks would prefer not to talk about death and dying, those who work in Hospice know that this is not an option. The counseling department and hospice team knows the value of offering this last healing experience to family members after their loved one has died. Bereavement support is just one of many services Hospice of Southern Illinois offers to help families cope with this portion of the end-of-life journey.

Bereavement is defined as the condition of having been deprived of something or someone valued, especially through death. Also, bereavement can be a state of intense grief after the loss of a loved one.

At Hospice of Southern Illinois, the counseling department works very hard to help families heal and cope with their loss. Calls are made to the family within 7 days of the loved one passing. Then, one of the bereavement counselors will follow up again within 30 days to see how the family continues to fare. Each person’s healing and coping process varies. So, if a visit or an appointment to see the family is needed to discuss the loss of their loved one, this is a time when families can do that to get the extra support they may need. One-on-one support is not always the best option for everyone. Hospice of Southern Illinois hosts several grief groups and a lunch gathering for widows and widowers which are available on a monthly basis. Further, for a more personal experience, the counseling department follows-up with calls on the loved one’s birthday and one-year anniversary of the death of the loved one. For the first year of the loss of a loved one, these can be especially difficult times.

No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help. If you or a family member is experiencing grief, please call 1-800-233-1708 to speak with one of the members from our experienced and dedicated counseling team.

Offered by Cathy Knowlton, MA, MAPS, LPC

Chaplain/Bereavement Counselor

Making Choices About Hospice

Making Choices About Hospice

What is hospice?

Hospice is a special healthcare option for patients and families faced with a terminal illness.

Hospice care is for patients who have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less; those who are no longer receiving curative treatment; have a focus on pain and symptom management with the goal of enhancing the quality of life.

Hospice is a team that takes many people to meet the unique needs of each patient, including the patient, the family, physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, counselors, and trained volunteers.

Why choose hospice care?

Hospice specializes in control of pain and other symptoms so patients and families can focus on making the most of the time they have left together. When a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, family and friends share their illness. Counselors can assist patients and families, with not only the physical pain and symptoms, but emotional and spiritual needs too.

Not all hospices are the same. All hospices have a set of guidelines and regulations to follow, but beyond those each hospice, just like a doctor’s office or pharmacy, have specific services and programs to better assist their patients and families to provide them with the individualized care they deserve.

Who pays for hospice?

Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance company’s. Some hospices have programs or accept donations or memorials to help provide care regardless of ability to pay.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice care is provided in the setting that best meets the need of the patient and family. People often think hospice is a place; actually, hospice is a service that comes to the patient and is provided in the home or home-like setting, including Private Home, Home Care, Nursing Home Care, Assisted Living, Hospice Home (like Relais Bonne Eau), or Inpatient Hospital Care.

When is it time to call hospice?

The best time to learn about hospice is before it is needed. Understanding the healthcare options, the hospice process, and end-of-life journey before it happens can relive lots of anxiety and stress that can be associated with death. Most hospices provide educational presentations or will meet with no obligation to answer any questions individuals have.

Making a referral is appropriate when the patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less, wants comfort care rather than curative treatment, or curative treatment is no longer the choice or option of the patient. Hospice is a service provided to individuals with many diagnoses. Cancer patients are most known to call hospice, but hospice care can benefit those dealing with all end-stage diseases, including heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, AIDS, and others. Referrals to hospice can be made by physicians, social workers, discharge planners, nursing home employees, family members, friends, clergy, and patients.

Too often referrals are not made until the patient has uncontrolled symptoms or is near death. Although hospice can do much to assist at this time, the patient and family can benefit more if hospice is called early in the end-of-life journey. No one has to die alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help. Call 1-800-233-1708 to speak with a member of our team to talk about any questions concerning hospice care, our expertise since 1981. 

Veteran Story - Eugene Scroggins

Meet Eugene, a patient at Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Hospice of Southern Illinois met Eugene a short time ago when his doctor recommended hospice to help him through his end-of-life journey due to terminal cancer. Eugene is just like many of us. He is full of love for his spouse, family, and dog, Miko. He smiled at little jokes I cracked and give me a hard time when I told him to share his life story in about 30 seconds for the video he was helping us with stating, “I can’t raise up a farm in 30 seconds”. Although Eugene is like us in many ways, he is, however, dealing with what we will all experience someday in life, our end-of-life journey.

I sure hope I can be as strong, positive, and humble as this man. He is also a proud Veteran. Hospice of Southern Illinois hopes Eugene’s story will help other Veterans and individuals with a terminal illness understand that hospice can help people be pain free, relieve some day-to-day stress and anxiety, and keep them in their home or home-like setting through their final days. Learn more about Eugene’s story.

Eugene, also known as Gene, was born and raised on a farm in Bunker Hill. Gene, a proud Veteran, served in the Navy from June 1951 to June 1955. Because he was getting close to the drafting age, he joined following in his brothers’ footsteps. He spent most of his service on the USS Albuquerque PF-7 in Korea. Years after he returned home to family and friends, he met his wife Shirley years later at a local diner.  

Gene had a job hauling milk from the local farmers to the dairy. During his route to the Collinsville dairy he would stop at a drive-in called Pat’s Restaurant, which Shirley’s parents owned. She’d hop into the truck and they would chat over lunch. Their first official date was in “1956… or was 1957” - Gene challenges due to the fact that it was New Year’s Eve. Gene and Shirley have lived a full life full of unexpected moments and wonderful blessings including 4 boys of their own, who are all over the world, and 2 grandchildren, who unfortunately are no longer with them. Today they are settled on a 3-acre home with their Chihuahua, Miko, and enjoy their peaceful property and large garden.

            Gene shared that he feels hospice is keeping him pain free and at home with those closest to him. He wants other Veterans and people to know that Hospice of Southern Illinois “has a lot of love and care for their patients.” He added leaning into Shirley, “and hospice saves a lot of wear and tear on her body and mine too.” They not only turn to hospice for support, but they also rely on their church family. They left us with a quote they live by everyday, “You are not discouraged unless the situation you face seems bigger than the god you serve – how big is your God?” They stressed to always tell those you love that you love them with all your heart, for it could be the last time you see them.

Thank you, Gene, for your service and for sharing your story! Gene’s story will always be remembered and that story will help reassure others that when treatment is no longer a choice or an option, Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to help.

Hospice of Southern Illinois
1-800-233-1708
www.hospice.org

We Love Social Media!

     Hospice of Southern Illinois is always working on ways to show our community involvement and commitment to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. That includes our online community. Read about what we are up to online!

CaringBridge
The newest resource we are promoting is through another nonprofit organization, CaringBridge. This nonprofit refer to themselves, "as an online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support. It’s your very own health social network, coming together on your personalized website... available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost."

We want it to be an opportunity for patients, families, and friends of Hospice of Southern Illinois to have another support resource. Several health care organizations recognize www.CaringBridge.org as a reputable source, and encourage their patients and families to utilize it too. We encourage you to check it out: http://www.caringbridge.org/about. Feel free to share it with someone you know who needs it, or create your own if and when you need it! They have two services which you can explore below:

• CaringBridge Sites
  Our personal, protected sites make it easy to stay connected during any type of health event. Family and friends can visit the site to stay informed and leave supportive messages.


• SupportPlanner
  Our SupportPlanner is a calendar that helps family and friends coordinate care and organize helpful tasks, like bringing a meal, offering rides, taking care of pets and other needs.

Social Media
As most of our online community is aware we are on social media, however may not know all the places you can find us online. We want to invite you to all our social media pages because we love social media! It is a great way to learn about you, stay connected, share stories, and give you what you need! We are posting on Facebook and Twitter to connect with the community for updates on hospice news, health care topics, Hospice of Southern Illinois upcoming events, and Hospice of Southern Illinois community involvement. We have a blog page and YouTube channel to educate the community about all topics hospice and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Finally, we have just joined Pinterest as a way to interact with the community and tell stories through pictures. Find us, get to know us, and interact with us so we can be the best we can for YOU!

     Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

Advance Directives, DNR, POLST: What does it all mean?

Advance Directives, DNR, POLST: What does it all mean?



     It can be difficult and overwhelming to discuss end of life choices. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help you navigate the tangled web of information surrounding all these issues and be a resource for people who need assistance making healthcare decisions. It is best to do this sooner, rather than later, so you are not called upon to make these decisions during a time of crisis. When people hear the terms Advanced Directives, or DNR, they tend to think of death and terrible circumstances. It doesn’t have to be that way. Planning for your future should make it easier for you and your family to have some control and to have a plan at a difficult time. Let us help by defining some of the terms and also to explain the newest type of Advance Directive called the POLST form.

     Advanced Care Planning involves discussing your wishes for end of life care and defining a set of legal documents stating those wishes. This includes a Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA) and a Living Will. These are also called Advance Directives. These documents clarify what you or your loved one would want to happen, if you became critically ill. In other words, if you should stop breathing or your heart would stop, what would you want done to you. Not everyone is comfortable discussing these issues. They should be discussed with your physician. You should understand what you are talking about and when these documents become effective. Among the forms being discussed are the Do Not Resuscitate Form (DNR) and a newer form called the POLST form. DNR forms differ from state to state and primarily deal with the patient’s wishes if they have no pulse (their heart stops). It directs the health care providers to either Do or Not Do CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) in the event of death.  POLST stands for Physician’s Order for Life Sustaining Treatment. It is becoming widely accepted in many states.  The purpose of developing the new POLST form was twofold: First, to standardize a DNR form from state to state that would be universally accepted; Second, to help direct care before CPR is needed, and to know the wishes of the patient at a time of medical crisis. All healthcare professionals in Illinois are now being taught how to discuss, help implement and accept the POLST form. It will eventually replace the DNR form but is just becoming known in this region. If you have a DNR form you do not need to have a POLST form, but you may be asked about it.

     The DNR form is still widely available and it is still being accepted as a legal document.  However, it limits the authority to act to a time when the patient actually dies, in other words, when their heart stops. It does not give instructions if you are critically ill, or for instance, you might require long term ventilation support and/or tube feeding/artificial food and hydration to survive.  We would like to explain the new POLST form in more detail.

·         The first difference is that it has one section (A) for CPR;

·         The second section (B) is for Medical Interventions and the extent you wish –(If you are critically ill but still have a pulse) to be treated.  It defines the following terms/levels of care;  

      - Comfort Measures to relieve pain and suffering;

      - Somewhere in the middle, you may want “Limited Additional Intervention” for IV Fluids and less invasive airway support like CPAP or BiPap, (external devices that assist with breathing);

     -  Or would you want to be Intubated and Mechanical Ventilation started; You would likely be sent to the Intensive Care Unit and everything would be done, per your wishes;

·         The 3^rd section (C) allows you to choose if you would want artificial food by feeding tube or just to be fed by mouth if possible, No Artificial Feeding, if you cannot take food by mouth;

·         Section D is for documentation of the person who signs the form: yourself, Parent, Health Care Power of Attorney; or Surrogate decision maker;

·         Section E if for the Attending Physician to sign. This document is not complete unless your Attending Doctor signs it;

·         The back of the form is optional and revolves around other forms you may have and who helped the patient fill out the form.

     When completed, any or all of your Advance Directives should be filled out and kept in a place where you can get to them quickly. Make copies and give one to your physician, your family members and possibly your closest friends.

     For more information or for help filling out these forms: Go to the following links:

http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3287

http://www.cecc.info/resource-links/physicians-order-for-lifesustaining-treatment-polst

http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?/pageid=3383

    

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