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September 2006
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A periodic update on Sacramento Healthcare Decisions′ involvement in local and
statewide end-of-life activities.
For general information about SHD, visit
www.sachealthdecisions.org.
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With an estimated 30% of the workforce caring for an aging relative, many employees are unsure how to talk about what lies ahead.
Others want to put plans in place in the event they face their own serious illness in the future. To help employees prepare for
future medical decisions, SHD and the Compassionate Care Alliance provide a free educational program through Sacramento area employers.
The workplace education program helps employees in their role as family caregiver to understand and prepare for medical decisions
for their loved ones and themselves. Typically, educational sessions are held as "brown bag lunch" seminars. Content
includes information on talking with loved ones, choosing a spokesperson and completing an advance directive.
Participating organizations to date include: Sacramento Bee, UCD Medical Center, Archco Ventures, PRIDE Industries, State Dept.
of Managed Health Care, El Dorado County Public Health Department and Opening Doors. This project is supported by a CHW Community Grant.
To schedule a seminar for your employees, contact
Kathy Glasmire at SHD.
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"Many of our employees are dealing with ill or aging family members. This program explains
what we can do NOW to prepare for future medical decisions."
Marta Wada
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Sacramento Bee |
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This month 30 healthcare professionals from the Sacramento region and around the state are attending
the nationally-recognized Respecting Choices class sponsored by the Compassionate Care Alliance
and CHW.
Respecting Choices prepares attendees to facilitate advance care planning conversations
with patients and families. The class is offered twice a year for health care clinicians, including nurses,
social workers, chaplains and parish nurses.
For information on future classes, contact
Kathy Glasmire at SHD.
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2005 Respecting Choices participant
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Last year, the story of Terri Schiavo grabbed the nation′s attention and started many people thinking ...
What would happen to my loved one or me in such a situation?
The California Legislature has designated the week of October 30 - November 5, 2006 as Health Care Decisions Week -
a time for people to think about the kind of care they would want if they become seriously ill or incapacitated,
to talk with their loved ones and doctors, and to write down their wishes in an advance directive document.
The following programs can help with planning:
Advance directive classes
Local hospitals sponsor classes to help people understand and complete advance directive documents. For a list of
classes, check the calendar of events at
www.sachealthdecisions.org.
Educational materials
SHD′s Finding Your Way booklet encourages early family discussions and helps those who are considering
whether to initiate or withdraw life-sustaining treatment when the end of life is near (also available in
Spanish). Mrs. Lee′s Story, in English and Chinese, introduces end-of-life issues that concern Chinese
elders and their families. Preview and order at
www.sachealthdecisions.org.
Speakers available
The Compassionate Care Alliance provides a free presentation to help adults of
all ages prepare for decisions about care near the end of life. Available for
congregations and senior groups, businesses and civic organizations, the program
includes information on advance directives and talking with family members and
doctors about preferences for care. To schedule a speaker, contact Kathy Glasmire at (916)
851-2828.
KVIE documentary: November 5 at 5:00 p.m.
With Love and Dignity explores end-of-life decision making through Sacramento family stories and interviews
with area opinion leaders and healthcare professionals. Viewers will learn about ways to ensure that their wishes
for care at the end of life are honored.
Organ donor registry
The Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry is a secure and confidential way to document
your wishes for donation. Sign up at
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or
www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org (Spanish). For more information, call (916) 567-1600.
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Health Care Decisions Week programs provide the necessary information
to help you prepare for future medical decisions.
The holidays are approaching
and families will gather. What better time to discuss these issues? |
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This daylong seminar on end-of-life care will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at Sierra Health Foundation
Conference Center. Partners in Caring is designed to help faith leaders (including community clergy,
priests and rabbis; and volunteer and staff chaplains) support seriously ill and dying individuals and their families.
Modeled after a national program for educating physicians, and taught by area physicians and spiritual leaders,
the program will address:
- concepts in setting goals for care near the end of life
- legal issues around life-sustaining treatment and advance directives
- information about pain management, including myths and misconceptions
- how to partner with the medical team to address suffering
- ways to address the spiritual needs of patients and families
- how to facilitate communication and be present with the dying
Seminar attendees have given high marks for the quality and sensitivity of the materials.
Registration fee is $60. For more information contact Kathy Glasmire at (916)
851-2828. For a registration form, click here.
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Faith leaders at 2005 seminar
And some of their comments . . .
"Amazingly dedicated, skilled, articulate, professional speakers."
"Employing real life situations rather than being ′book based.′"
"That the community clergy are seen as a resource and valued colleague really
came through."
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