Our model, focuses on you: through LEAD: Listening, Education, Assessment, and Decision support tools. We seek to help you and your family prepare for the the final chapter.
Historically, Western Medical culture denies death. This is improving, and with Palliative Care teams; patients have more support and choices around the end of life. But waiting till the end isn’t a great strategy. Below are several relationships to you can develop to support you and/or your loved ones during life to prepare for the Dying process.
Your Family and Friends -- What sort of conversations are you having with the people who matter the most to you ? What resources are there? What questions should you ask? How can you have these tough conversations without being morbid?
Your Family (Primary Care) Physician/Provider- How have you developed your relationship with Her/Him? Do they know you in the context of your Family so that they help you navigate aging, and supporting you live out your life the most fully?
Social Workers can help coordinate resources, transportation, housing, and a myriad of other things. Also trained in some therapy, these people can be invaluable to patients and families. They can also connect you to financial and legal expertise.
Religion - Your Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Imam…..all can be important support and resources and help you find meaning and comfort in this very precious phase of life.
Therapists can be an invaluable support to help family members deal with feelings as they lose a loved one, can support individuals with their anxieties around death, and can help families work through unresolved conflicts so that the Dying process can be an opportunity for healing.
Death Doulas - Trained “guides” in dying, these folks can be available much like Birth Doula’s, to be on call, particularly as time grows short, and for the final days.
In the Hospital - Is that the best place for you in the first place? Would you rather be home? How can you plan for - and end up/stay home? Who do you ask for? How do you advocate for yourself/your loved ones BEFORE they are in a hospital? Palliative Care teams can help.
Hospice - Teams of Nurses and Doctors who focus on keeping you comfortably IN YOUR HOME. There are a few Hospice beds in the Bay Area for families unable to care for a dying family member. VITAS and By the Bay Health are two solid Bay Area services.
Legal Consult - Have you developed a will? Do you have an advanced directive? Durable power of attorney? Legal support to create documentation can prevent disagreements between family members after you are gone, and having discussions ahead of time helps.
Physicians and Hospice Teams - Hospital/Clinican dependent
Death Doulas - East Bay End of Life Doula network
Spiritual Well Being Roshi Joan Halifax
Burial Options - Green burials