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Important Family Tools
End of Life Conversations​

​Most people think end of life conversations are important, but few people want to have these discussions. Hesitance is understandable, but it is unfortunate - because one in four older Americans will face end of life medical questions without the capacity to decide what should happen. Decision making is hard on families that have no written guidelines or past conversation to fall back on. And it's even tougher when more than one person needs to weigh in.

If given the choice, would your loved one want CPR, a ventilator, artificial nutrition or hydration? Or would the loved one simply want to be kept comfortable? Would the answer be the same at age 95 as at age 80? Would it be different if the diagnosis was known to be terminal?
To reduce family pain and support patient choices, the Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council encourages families to discuss end of life decisions and to consider advance directives BEFORE being faced with a medical emergency.
Advanced Care Planning

​Advance care planning involves learning about the types of decisions that might need to be made, considering those decisions ahead of time, and then letting others know about your preferences, often by putting them into an advance directive. An advance directive is a legal document that goes into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. This could be the result of disease or severe injury-no matter how old you are. It helps others know what type of medical care you want. It also allows you to express your values and desires related to end-of-life care.
National Institute on Aging - Advance Care Planning Tips
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
Provides people with information and support when they are planning ahead, caring for a loved one, living with an illness or grieving a loss. 
POLST Illinois
Information about the "Practitioners Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment." ​
Talking to Loved Ones

The Conversation Project
Dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. 
Legal

IDPH Statement of IL Law on Advance Directives & DNR Orders
Covers what you should be told about advance directive when you are admitted to a health-care facility.​
Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care
A revocable form that gives your designated "agent" broad powers to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to speak or decide for yourself. ​​
Where to Find Care

Eldercare Locator WEBSITE
ELDERCARE LOCATOR PHONE
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you locate appropriate forms and deal of End of Life issues. To find your area agency phone number, call 1-800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website.
Costs​

Hospice and Palliative Care Costs and BenefitS
Includes a brief description of services covered by Medicare Part A, Part B and Medicaid.
 ​ © Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council
100 East Washington Street  |  Springfield, Illinois 62701 
​ (217) 753-4422 | info@ilhomecare.org
  • About
    • Join
    • Committees
    • Awards
    • History >
      • Regions
    • Leadership
  • Advocacy
    • Find Your Elected Official
    • Federal Issues
    • State Issues
  • Education
    • Events Calendar
    • 2023 Annual Conference >
      • Exhibiting/Sponsoring
    • IHHC ONLINE ACADEMY
    • Upcoming Education
  • For Consumers
    • Find a Provider
    • Home Health
    • Hospice
    • Private Duty
  • Member Resources
  • Contact Us