Resources

Beginning the Conversation about Death, Dying and End-of-Life Care in Connecticut

Terminal illness, natural aging, accidents and other events that lead to loss are among the hardest issues to discuss and accept. Years ago, people died at home, usually after a short illness, and were attended by family members and the family physician. Now, the dying process is more complex, often preceded by long periods of chronic illness, hospitalization and aggressive treatment. Although we have been able to treat or cure many of the illnesses that were previously fatal, ultimately cannot prevent death and always face the challenge of our mortality.

What we can do, however, is to take actions that address our fears of death and dying. We can develop health care systems and supports for dying individuals, their families and loved ones as death becomes imminent. We can work to educate providers, policy makers and ourselves on what is needed to provide the most compassionate, individualized and supportive end-of life care.

This booklet is designed to provide basic information about some of the terms and services related to care at the end of life. As these issues have gained public attention, a whole new vocabulary has evolved that is often confusing and misunderstood. This guide answers ten of the most commonly asked questions about end-of-life care. It also offers basic information to help individuals make informed choices about end-of-life care for themselves and their loved ones.

    Topics Covered:
  • Beginning the Conversation
  • Rights and Choices
  • Making Decisions
  • Pain Management
  • Palliative Care and Hospice Care
  • Talking with Health Care Professionals
  • Talking with Children
  • Physical Changes when Death is Near
  • Spirituality at the End of Life
  • Comforting the Dying
  • Resources
TO ORDER, please print the booklet order form (pdf) and mail it with your payment to the Coalition office.

Help Us Help You! Please take our Survey

The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care need your help to gather information on the educational needs of health care professionals, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, funeral directors and others in Connecticut who provide palliative and end-of-life care.

Please take a few minutes to help us help you by completing our confidential online survey. You will be entered into a lottery to win free registration to the 2009 Annual Conference of the Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care.

 

Upcoming Events

January 21st, 2009

CULTURE MATTERS IN END OF LIFE CARE

Karen Bullock, LCSW, PhD
UCONN School of Social Work
Click here to download registration form
Click here for directions to this event

April 3, 2009

6TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION...
ADVANCES IN END OF LIFE CARE

8:00AM-4:30PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel,
100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT
Continuing Education Units/Credits Available for Nurses, Pastoral Care, Physicians, Social Workers, and Funeral Directors