Americans tend to forestall if not forgo, conversations about end of life and we tend to fight till the end. But a growing body of research finds that in our medical world, full of machines that can keep a body going long beyond what was once possible, that palliative care at end of life can provide a better quality of life than aggressive treatment. We'll examine palliative care, including a look at comfort care homes, an option for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days.
QUIZ: How much do you know about palliative care?
GUESTS
Mildred Z. Solomon, EdD
A bio-ethicist, Dr. Solomon is the president the Hastings Center, a non-partisan, bioethics research institute. She is also is Clinical Professor of Anaesthesia at Harvard Medical School, where she directs the school's fellowship in medical ethics. Her work has shaped national policy on palliative care.
George Giokas, MD
Dr. George Giokas is the director of palliative care for The Community Hospice.
Suzanne O’Brien, RN
Suzanne O’Brien is an author, speaker and consultant committed to educating and supporting individuals and families plan and prepare for end of life care with clarity and dignity. Her experience as a hospice and oncology nurse inspired the creation of Positive Passings, a forum and resource center for families to begin the conversations around end of life care.
COMFORT CARE HOMES IN THE CAPITAL REGION
Gateway House of Peace – Ballston Spa, NY.
Haynes House of Hope – South Granville, NY.
Joan Nicole Prince Home – Scotia, NY.
Mary’s Haven –Saratoga Springs, NY
RESOURCES
Aging with Dignity - Five Wishes
Compassion and Support at the End of Life
Subscribe to the Hastings Center Report
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – Caring Connections
New York State Health Department
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