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When asked if it is important to talk with a doctor regarding end-of-life care, 80 percent of people surveyed responded “yes”. However, just 7 percent of the people surveyed have had an end-of-life conversation with their doctor.*
It is natural for many of us to avoid talking about the end of life. Thus, many of us avoid speaking to our doctors about what type of end-of-life care we would want. A lack of communication with our doctor causes confusion about desired medical treatments and choices that can be pre-determined.
Individuals who talked with their physician or families about their preferences for end-of-life care:
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Chances are, your doctor is waiting for you to start the conversation. Here are some things to consider when talking to your doctor:
Your Living Will and Advanced Healthcare Directives can be modified and should be updated every two-three years or earlier if your health changes. A DMOST/POLST form should be reviewed every time a new health concern arises with your serious illness.
There is no right time to talk about end-of-life care with your doctor and family. To get the help you need and to learn more about your healthcare options, visit delawarehospice.org/planning-ahead or give Delaware Hospice a call at (302) 478-5707.
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New Castle County
16 Polly Drummond Shopping Center (Intersection of Polly Drummond Hill Road and New Linden Hill Road); second floor
Newark, Del., 19711
(302) 478-5707
Kent County
911 South DuPont Hwy.
Dover, Del., 19901
(302) 678-4444
Sussex County
100 Patriots Way
Milford, Del., 19963
(302) 856-7717
Pennsylvania
1786 Wilmington-West Chester Pike, Suite 200 A
Glen Mills, Pa., 19342
(484) 259-0017