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Aging Committee Investigates End of Life Care

Wed, 07/19/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
Description: 

The Senate Special Committee on Aging held testimony on "The End of Life: Improving Care, Easing Pain and Helping Families." Committee chairman, Senator Grassley, said, "Studies show that the general public lacks the knowledge to be good consumers in this area. Most of us know little about the availability of good care for the dying, including elements such as hospice and pain care. In addition, health care providers are uncomfortable talking to patients and their loved ones about dying. They also tend to be uninformed about what constitutes appropriate pain relief."

Witnesses presented examples of both satisfying and frustrating experiences in dealing with end-of-life care forfamily members. Many concluded that end-of-life care education for both the public and professional health care providers is the best tool for bringing about a transformation in the quality of this experience.

End of Life Care Checklist for Seniors
From Senator John Breaux

Before visiting your doctor, think about any questions or concerns you have and want to discuss with your health care provider.

When visiting your doctor, bring a list of all medications you are taking.

Ask your doctor about hospice services in your area.

Let your doctor know if you don't understand an explanation regarding your diagnosis, likely symptoms or side effects of medications.

If you are in physical pain be sure to tell your doctor, who will likely ask how intense it is on a scale from one to 10.

When visiting your doctor, consider bringing a family member or friend.

Talk to your family and loved ones about your treatment preferences, and consider documenting your wishes in a living will.

Consider appointing someone you trust to make your health care decision, in case you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or sad, consider talking to a pastor, chaplain, rabbi or other trusted person in your faith community.

Keep open lines of communication with family, friends and your health care providers. The more you tell them the more likely you will get the care you need!

The Senate Special Committee on Aging held testimony on "The End of Life: Improving Care, Easing Pain and Helping Families." Committee chairman, Senator Grassley, said, "Studies show that the general public lacks the knowledge to be good consumers in this area. Most of us know little about the availability of good care for the dying, including elements such as hospice and pain care. In addition, health care providers are uncomfortable talking to patients and their loved ones about dying. They also tend to be uninformed about what constitutes appropriate pain relief."

Witnesses presented examples of both satisfying and frustrating experiences in dealing with end-of-life care forfamily members. Many concluded that end-of-life care education for both the public and professional health care providers is the best tool for bringing about a transformation in the quality of this experience.

End of Life Care Checklist for Seniors
From Senator John Breaux

Before visiting your doctor, think about any questions or concerns you have and want to discuss with your health care provider.

When visiting your doctor, bring a list of all medications you are taking.

Ask your doctor about hospice services in your area.

Let your doctor know if you don't understand an explanation regarding your diagnosis, likely symptoms or side effects of medications.

If you are in physical pain be sure to tell your doctor, who will likely ask how intense it is on a scale from one to 10.

When visiting your doctor, consider bringing a family member or friend.

Talk to your family and loved ones about your treatment preferences, and consider documenting your wishes in a living will.

Consider appointing someone you trust to make your health care decision, in case you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or sad, consider talking to a pastor, chaplain, rabbi or other trusted person in your faith community.

Keep open lines of communication with family, friends and your health care providers. The more you tell them the more likely you will get the care you need!