An end of life discussion is difficult, but necessary, when dealing with aging loved ones.
Several years ago when legislation was suggested to encourage conversations regarding end of life planning, they were described as “death panels.” Thankfully this is no longer the case. The past few years have seen slow but steady progress in opening up conversations around end of life discussion.
The Importance of End of Life Discussion
Now, last month, with the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration issued a final rule authorizing Medicare to pay doctors for consultations with patients on how they would like to be cared for as they are dying. Finally the importance of these end of life discussion between patients and physicians is being recognized on a national scale.
According to the New York Times, The American Hospital Association praised the final rule, saying it would encourage Medicare beneficiaries and health care providers to discuss the patients’ “treatment preferences.”
The Commission for Case Manager Certification is offering a free webinar on the topic: Effective Communication: Navigating Delicate Conversations “It’s always too soon, until it’s too late.”
The webinar is scheduled for Nov. 10, 1-2 p.m. EST, and will feature Harriet Warshaw, executive director of The Conversation Project.
