Why might I need the help of End of LIfe Advocacy & Care?
- You are feeling overwhelmed, you are unsure of what’s next and it just seems like one thing after another. There is a lot to do in a short period of time.
- You feel like your days are spent on the phone trying to get answers and guidance and you are exhausted.
- You want to find out what resources might be available to you in the community.
- You are from another state looking for help navigating the complicated logistics of pursuing Medical Aid in Dying in the state of Oregon. Call me first, we can make a plan together and get you started and stay on track through your entire experience.
- We can help you find local accommodations, physicians and hospice teams that support your decision to pursue MAID.
Why do you recommend having a hospice team if I’ll only be in Oregon a few days before I take my MAID medications to end my life?
- Hospice can provide you with the appropriate comfort medications in case you were to have an unexpected change such as a pain crisis, acute injury or shortness of breath. A nursing phone call or visit can be made directly to you to avoid the emergency room.
- If you are physically unable to complete the MAID process, or you change your mind, hospice can help arrange permanent placement until you die naturally.
- Hospice will pronounce your death to avoid the involvement of emergency response teams and the state of Oregon medical examiner.
- Hospice teams can provide crucial services such as bathing assistance, a physician to change your medications if there is a need, a nurse to visit in the event you have a sudden change, a chaplain for spiritual support, massage therapy or a volunteer to assist with short periods of respite.
I’m coming to Oregon to pursue MAID. Why do I need a volunteer from End of Life Choices Oregon (EOLCOR)?
- EOLCOR volunteers can refer you to local physicians, hospice teams and pharmacists who assist clients with Medical Aid in Dying. Not all participate.
- They are trained experts in the complexities of the Oregon Death With Dignity (DWD) law and will guide you step-by-step through the process in the most efficient and loving manner so you do not miss a beat.
- Their volunteers can support you and your loved ones on the day of your death, such as answering last-minute questions, mixing your medications and supporting your loved ones emotionally through the process.
How does End of Life Advocacy & Care complement these services?
- I can wrap them around you, help keep everyone in the loop, and on the same page. .
- If you suddenly want to take your MAID medications and your planned date/time with your EOLCOR volunteer is no longer an option for you, I can respond quickly to assist you and your loved ones.
- Even though it is most common for people to die within minutes to hours of taking MAID medications, sometimes it’s longer. EOLCOR volunteers are able to stay with you for approximately 2 hours. I can be with you and your family after that and see you through until the end, no matter how long it may take.
- I can be monitoring your physical changes and making sure your MAID doctor is aware of any shifts that may affect your timeline or the process: bowels/digestion, swallow capacity, mental status changes,