Communicating Effectively with Medical Providers at the End of Life
Avoiding a clash between clinical values and patient priorities.
It has been an incredible 10 years since the iconic Dolores Huerta first graced the cover of Compassion & Choices’ magazine — a milestone that coincides with the beginning of my own journey at Compassion & Choices, after having served as legal director of the ACLU of Oregon. My admiration for Dolores and the inspiration she has provided stretches back even further, to my early days as a student and young attorney, when I was deeply involved in organizing and advocating for the rights of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
We are absolutely thrilled to honor Dolores Huerta’s unparalleled legacy of advocacy and groundbreaking accomplishments in this issue. Over the past decade, the end-of-life movement has made extraordinary strides, and Dolores has been a powerful force, amplifying the voices of those seeking an equitable, compassionate end-of-life experience that reflects their values and priorities. Her tireless dedication continues to light the way forward, and we are profoundly grateful for her enduring impact and leadership.
Advocating for a loved one or friend is central to serving as a surrogate healthcare decision-maker or proxy. In a pair of stories, we explore responsibilities and communication in end-of-life care. Communicating Effectively with Medical Providers at the End of Life discusses how to advocate with medical providers on behalf of someone else. If you are called upon to act as a surrogate or proxy for someone you love, Being a Surrogate Healthcare Decision-Maker will help you understand the responsibilities and requirements — and what questions you should ask to be the most effective advocate you can be.
The Medical Aid in Dying Residency Requirement explains the residency limitations of some medical aid in dying laws. Vermont and Oregon, which do not have any residency restrictions, are options for terminally ill people who have the resources and support to travel to another state. This article offers factors to consider before making that journey.
Thank you for all you do. Your ongoing support of Compassion & Choices and this movement is creating meaningful change for all people. As one of my heroes, Dolores, reminds us all … ¡Sí se puede! — Yes we can!
In service and with gratitude,
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Michael Cavaiola, Alyssa Cowan, Marina Gephart, Patricia A. González-Portillo, Ellie Hutchison Cervantes, Stephen Hyde, Alyson Lynch, Kelsey Michael, Mickey MacIntyre
CompassionAndChoices.org
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