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PATHWAYS FOR AGING E-NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 6

September 2008

Beyond the Living Will – Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System

by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

Hospitals can be intimidating places for many people, especially those unfamiliar with the “health care system”; often people feel they lose control and are powerless upon entering a hospital. You can control your own destiny in health care, but some knowledge of how the system functions, who to call and when to call, will better prepare you, if you or a loved one are ever in such a position.

Start by taking some time to determine and communicate your wishes to your family. The Life Choices; Understanding the importance of planning now for your needs at the end of life booklet published by the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is a great resource to help guide you through this process, and it is free to Missouri residents. The Five Wishes booklet is another good option or try the Bar Association in your state.

Complete a Health Care Directive comprised of a Living Will, outlining your wishes and designate someone to be your Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Health Care. Make certain that copies of these documents are given to: your DPOA and physician. Copies will need to be available to the healthcare facility you use – if a copy is not available – it is as if it does not exist.

Putting your wishes in writing will greatly increase the likelihood that they will be followed by your family. An Advance Directive is really a tool to guide your DPOA and give that person the confidence to make decisions which support your wishes and values.

Conflicts or bioethical dilemmas can arise when there are disagreements between family members or between the family and the healthcare team. Follow these steps to resolve conflicts in healthcare:

1. Decide - what you want and do not want regarding medical treatment – Complete a written Healthcare Directive

2. Communicate - your wishes to your family, and/or your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

3. Advocate - be prepared that you or your decision-maker may need to advocate that your wishes be followed

If you would like more information on this topic, go to our

website to learn more about the Special Report -

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death is it Anyway?

Web Tip of the Month -

Life Choices booklet

In Missouri, the Life Choices: Understanding the importance of planning now for your needs at the end of life booklet published by the Office of the Missouri Attorney General is a great resource to help guide you through this process, and it is free to Missouri residents: http://lwww.ago.mo.gov/publications/lifechoices/lifechoices.htm

Special Report:

Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?

Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System
A Pathways for Aging Special Report
by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

"How will you or a loved one die?" This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues. It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made. Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan. Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. To order a copy - go to the Products Page of our Website.

Free Seminar:

in September you can hear -

Jeannie Krause-Taylor,MSW, LCSW, ACSW
speak on positive aging and mental health and aging

She will be one of 3 featured speakers at 1 more Free Seminar offered by SSM Health Care - Senior Services

Keeping Your Balance This Fall

Balance of MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT =
Wellness and Independence

The Semiar will be offered:
September 25 at St. Joseph Hospital West, Lake St. Louis
Call 636-947-5042 for more informaton or to register

Get to know our team.....

Sherrill Wayland, MSW joined Pathways for Aging in 2008

Sherrill Wayland, MSW completed her second Master’s degree in 2008. Sherrill has worked professionally for the 12 years in the field disability and education. While working in education Sherrill developed and taught computer classes for older adults and worked with the Elder Hostel program. Sherrill made the decision to obtain her MSW after realizing the impact of an aging population in a society that does not always value the contributions and needs of older adults. Sherrill’s specific interests include aging in place, life review, caregiver/family mediation, and supporting the diversity of older adults.

Who Should Decide?

Preventing Depression Following a Stroke

Please Contact Us

Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult.

Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117

How We Can Help

Personalized Care Management from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides:

Customized information about community resources to meet the needs of your loved one.

Peace of mind if you are separated from your loved one by geography or by a vacation or business trip.

Someone to act as your eyes and ears, and troubleshoots problems before they become crises.

A supportive advocate if you need to make life-altering decisions which impact quality-of-life, such as medical decisions, whether your loved one is able to continue independent living, when is it time to consider alternative housing, etc.

A professional to help with strained family relationships and negotiating difficult decisions.

Call us today at 314.361.3530 to see how we can help you.

Your privacy is very important to us. Read our terms of use and privacy policy.
(C) 2008 Pathways for Aging, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. This newsletter is provided with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Our mailing address is: 6614 Clayton Road, #235, St. Louis, Missouri 63117
Our telephone is 314.361.3530