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California′s Health Care Decisions Week is 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.
Plans are underway for a variety of activities:
- Two Weeks - this new film stars Sally Field as a woman dying from cancer whose four adult
children return home to say a last goodbye. Described by audiences as "touching,"
"truthful," and "surprisingly funny," the movie will be shown in a special public viewing
November 4 at CSUS. Sponsored by the Compassionate Care Alliance and CSUS Departments of Nursing and
Gerontology.
- With Love & Dignity, a KVIE program exploring medical decision-making through the stories
of Sacramento area families and interviews with healthcare professionals.
- Free advance directive classes at area hospitals.
Alliance members are available during the week to provide free presentations on advance
directives for civic groups, faith communities and senior organizations.
For more information or to schedule a speaker, contact
Kathy Glasmire at SHD.
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Check the calendar at
www.sachealthdecisions.org for a list of activities.
To be added to the mailing list for Health Care Decisions Week, contact
Kathy Glasmire at SHD.
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Medical Decisions When They Count Most is a "lunch and learn" workshop that helps
employees prepare for medical decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Content includes
talking with loved ones, completing an advance directive and choosing a healthcare surrogate.
SHD has found the workplace an excellent way to reach younger audiences, with 44% of attendees
age 50 or younger. Most employees say they came to the workshop to be prepared for their own future;
others attend because they are concerned about the declining health of a loved one.
Since March of 2006, nearly 500 employees from 20 area businesses, state departments and other agencies
have participated in educational workshops sponsored by SHD and the Compassionate Care Alliance.
The workplace project is supported by a CHW Community Benefits Grant.
To schedule a free seminar for your employees, contact
Kathy Glasmire at SHD.
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What employees say:
"...gave me the boost I needed to take action."
"I came to this class for information for my parents, but will use for myself as well."
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SHD′s Medical Decisions When They Count Most will be featured in a national publication as a model
for bringing advance care planning issues to employees.
It's About How You LIVE-At Work is being developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care
Organization. Due out this summer, the guide provides resources that communities can use to
help employers plan programs and policies to address end-of-life issues. For more information,
call the HelpLine at 1.800.658.8898 or
contact
[email protected].
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"We appreciate SHD lending its expertise so other communities
can benefit."
Gwynn Sullivan RN MSN
National Hospice and Palliative
Care Orgn.
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This nationally-recognized course prepares healthcare professionals to facilitate advance care
planning conversations with patients and families. The two-day instructional program is designed
for nurses, case managers, social workers, chaplains from acute or long-term care settings,
parish nurses and health ministers. Respecting Choices will be held September 25 and 26
at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.
For a brochure and registration form, click here.
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"...great development of practical skills that I can incorporate
into my work tomorrow."
RC participant
March 07
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"When my dad was dying, we thought the ICU was the only place he could get his pain
controlled. But with the help of hospital staff, my dad got the care he needed
in the nursing home like he wanted." - typical comment from family member
in pilot project
Like the family above, other Sacramento area nursing home patients and their families
soon will benefit from a new project with hospitals and nursing homes.
The California Coalition for Compassionate Care is leading this 2-year effort to replicate
a successful program piloted at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. The brainchild of Catherine
McGregor, RN, MSN, the program identifies treatment preferences of patients to ensure they
receive the care they want in the setting they prefer. McGregor serves as educator and mentor for
nursing facility staff and helps link patients′ care between the hospital, nursing
home and hospice. The pilot showed marked increases in patient and family satisfaction.
Partnering hospitals from Catholic Healthcare West, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health will
establish common tools, training and messages for use with 18 local nursing facilities. Results will
be evaluated with the potential for replicating this model in other parts of the state. The collaborative
is being funded through a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation.
For more information,
contact
Judy Citko
Executive Director, California Coalition for Compassionate Care.
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"This program can dramatically improve patient care and serve as a model for the rest
of the state."
Kate O'Malley, RN, MS
Senior Program Officer
California HealthCare Foundation
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