End of life care begins in the final days to weeks of a person’s life. Less than one quarter of physicians bring up end of life issues and fewer than half of caregivers felt prepared for end of life care. We will review some of the issues related to end of life care and how to prepare for them.
Hospice care
Medication management to make the end comfortable/comfort care.
You may wish to do any of the following to bring comfort to your loved one:
- Make the environment comforting.
- Have meaningful photos and other mementos present.
- Choose the person’s favorite music to play.
- Use soothing massage to help with discomfort or to provide reassurance.
- Bring nature indoors with plants and flowers.
Staff and Contacts
Dr. Van Kirk (left) Kosmina Fasciole medical director now for 10 years; also does geriatrics but is busy and does. Dr. David Martin, Sara Happle, Sheri Christopherson NP, Barbara NP, Paul Tan, MD
EMMC – Palliative Care (207) 973-6604 Lynn Soucy is the office manager
- Prefer a referral with records; office notes, testing,
- Other palliative care in the NLH system (Brewer, Presque Isle, Pittsfield, Blue Hill, Mercy, Ellsworth)
Home Health Team at NLH – in -home care; homecare and hospice.
Monitoring for signs of burnout (noticing) Promoting well-being, and finding balance § Building resilience Strengthening meaning / pro-social purpose Connecting with self and others § Broadening understanding of choices (self-efficacy)
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116
eldercarelocator@USAging.org
eldercare.acl.gov
CaringInfo
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
800-658-8898
caringinfo@nhpco.org
caringinfo.org
Eastern Area Agency on Aging.
Advanced Health Care Directive
- Choose a medical decision maker
- Make your own health care choices
- Sign the form