“When all of our needs are met, then may there be space for something beautiful to emerge in our dying”

Your Questions Answered

Why do I need the help of End of LIfe Advocacy & Care?

  • There is a LOT to do in a short period of time. 
  • You find yourself spending endless hours on the phone trying to get answers and guidance.
  • You feel overwhelmed with the need to manage so many different care partners. Hospice, EOLCOR and your MAID physicians function independently of each other. This can get complicated. We can be the “HUB” so-to-speak, to keep everyone informed for you.
  • We can help you avoid the small missteps that can profoundly impact your death journey.
  • Recent testimonial: “My mom wanted her MAID doctor to be present for her death. She was planning to take the medications at the beach but we were not aware that her doctor wouldn’t be able to travel outside of Portland to be with us. Instead she chose a beautiful house on the river so we could have both water and the comfort of her doctors presence with us that day. That would have been HUGE if we’d found that out last minute without time to plan.”

Why do you I need a hospice team if I’m only going to be in Oregon for a few days?

  • Most Death With Dignity (DWD) signing physicians will strongly suggest that you have the help of hospice services as they are not available for day-to-day symptom management.
  • Helps you AVOID THE EMERGENCY ROOM by providing comfort medication, dose changes, refills & a nursing visit if you experience an acute change in mental status, breathing, pain or injury.
  • If you are physically unable to complete the MAID process, or you change your mind, hospice can help arrange permanent placement until you die.
  • They offer free services such as bathing, spiritual support, short-term respite and more.
  • You may consider establishing care with a national hospice program in your home state to make the transition to Oregon easeful.

Why do I need End of Life Choices Oregon?

  • Trained in the complexities of the DWD law they will guide you through the process, step-by-step.
  • Volunteers follow you and your loved ones through required waiting periods, providing continued support.
  • They provide support on your planned death day: answering last-minute questions, mixing your medications & supporting your loved ones emotionally through your death.

How does End of Life Advocacy & Care collaborate with my other services?

  • Our job is to keep everyone in the loop and in alignment with YOUR goals.
  • If you decide you want to take your MAID medications before your set date/time, we can respond quickly to assist you and your loved ones 24/7 so you are not alone.
  • Even though it is most common for people to die within minutes to hours of ingestions, there are rare occassions when it takes longer. EOLCOR volunteers and/or prescribing physicians are able to stay with you for approximately 2 hrs. We can see you through until the end, no matter how long it may take.
  • We can monitor any physical changes & keep your MAID doctor, hospice team and EOLCOR volunteer updated. Special exceptions are sometimes made during your waiting period between physician visits to adjust your ingestion date if you are declining more quickly than expected.
  • We work closely with your hospice team to keep you comfortable while we help you explore life during your 15 day waiting period. This may include travel and activities in the state of Oregon.