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Subscribe to RSSIt's crucial that all family members are on the same page when choosing an assisted living facility for their loved ones – and when considering end-of-life directives. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
In February, an 87-year-old woman died when the independent living facility where she resided refused to perform CPR, raising questions as to whether more should have been done. But the facility, Glenwood Gardens, said they were following their established protocol -- one that's in place at many similar facilities around the country. After the story aired on Nightly News, some viewers considered it a wake-up call for families to have an open dialogue with one another about end-of-life issues.
Tonight, Dr. Nancy Snyderman offers tips on finding the right assisted living center: what to ask for in the beginning, and what to do when seeking a higher level of care. We've also compiled resources that may be helpful for families who want to have critical conversations with their loved ones about assisted living or end-of-life care.
Dr. June McKoy, an associate professor of medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, says it's necessary to have difficult conversations about end-of-life directives and ask tough questions before moving into any residential community, independent or otherwise.
Using an ombudsman
Every state has ombudsmen who can help families find facilities for those who need long-term care. To learn more, click here to visit the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.
Assisted Living Federation of America
The ALFA advocates for seniors living in resident-centered senior living communities and feature tips, public policy information and other tools online. Please click here to visit their website.
The Conversation Project
Have you had a conversation with your elderly relative(s) about end-of-life care? The Conversation Project seeks to make these conversations easier by offering tips on how to get started.
End-of-life conversations
In December 2012, "NBC Nightly News" aired a two-part series about critical conversations. Please find both stories below as well as a web chat with Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, a hospice chaplain and founder of the caregiving website Talk Early Talk Often.
It is difficult for families to talk about death and dying, but by proactively resolving complicated end-of-life issues it's possible to stave off future financial worries and stress. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
Americans are living longer than ever before, which means baby boomers are doing double duty caring for both parents and children. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
Leave a Comment:
A dear friend has signed up with Hospice, and I am saddened by his decision because I
wish he had told Hospice to take a hike and stick around, not dying. Which is the
Easter Message.
@Moderators: Oops Preview isn't working. It's just giving me a smeared mess of lines But not to worry some like it messy! Go figure!Phyllis Kunz
Some studies have shown that people with terminal illnesses live longer if they choose hospice and receive only "comfort care" than if they continue to accept aggressive treatment that rarely helps and may have life-shortening side effects. People do not, and cannot, sign up for hospice unless they have illnesses that even the doctors agree to be incurable. You are rightly saddened to learn that you are going to lose your friend, but please don't feel that he is in any way to blame for the fact. If you can offer him support and help make his remaining time here as happy and meaningful as possible, you will be glad of it later.
I do not blame him, but I would have opted for the surgery because, in my
mind, he would have nothing to lose but that's me and, as in all areas of life,
to each his own. I respect his decision no matter what; it gets messy when
you are working with God
@Jane, a good post, and as one well-meaning man said to me, "You have to put yourself in
his shoes". That said, he can put his shoes under my bed. In a manner of
speaking, of course. Thanks for your wonderfully written reply God bless Phyllis
the agressive treatment i was given damn near killed me i lost all my imune system and my platlets passed out and got rushed to VA hosp in Ann Arbor blood transfusions platlets with a infection in my intestine the VA sent me home to die i am in hospesce now.
It is now Daylight "Saving" Time, hopefully God's own time, so let's hope for the best
Faith, hope, love etc