Outreach Support for Seriously Ill Persons and Their Families

Guide for Care and Support During Serious Illness

Introduction

Overview and acknowledgements

Health care and emergency phone numbers

Tips for those experiencing a serious illness

Chapter 1

Effective communication: Obtaining the health care information you need

At Diagnosis: A 'Print and Take' Form of Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor

During treatment: Gaining the information, care, and support you need

During Treatment: A 'Print and Take' Form of Important Questions and Information

Record of appointments

Notes

Chapter 2

Easing pain and discomfort: An overview

Communicating about pain: The path to comfort

Recording medications and treatments

Daily medications log

Chapter 3

Care for the caregiver: A healing prescription for self-care and respite

Care for the caregiver: A practical guide

Selecting home health or hospice care

National and regional resources

Daily log

Chapter 4

Questions to ask about your health care system

Insurance information

Record of payments

Chapter 5

An Introduction to Essential Conversations: The Prelude and the Music

Ground rules for helpful conversations

Chapter 6

An Overview: Guiding families through important decisions

Living Will and Power of Attorney: What makes sense?

Medical Decision Making: Questions to answer

Living Will and Power of Attorney: Next steps

Chapter 7

Introduction to spiritual growth in time of illness

A comforting selection of reflections, scripture, prayers, and hymns

Internet resources for the Seriously Ill

End-of-Life Articles and Resources

GUIDE FOR CARE AND SUPPORT DURING SERIOUS ILLNESS

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Introduction

Health Care and Emergency Phone Numbers.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS: _______________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON: _______________________________

PRIMARY DOCTOR:___________________________________________

SPECIALIST: _______________________________________________

PHARMACIST: ______________________________________________

DOCTOR'S ASSISTANT: ______________________________________

NURSE: ___________________________________________________

HEALTH AIDE: ______________________________________________

CHORES: __________________________________________________

MEALS: ___________________________________________________

TRANSPORTATION: __________________________________________

THERAPIST: _______________________________________________

CHAPLAIN/CHURCH: _________________________________________

OTHERS: __________________________________________________

RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: ____________________________________

NOTES: (Feel free to use the back of the page for notes.)

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Next page: Tips for Those Experiencing a Serious Illness