HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
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57<br />
Questions & Answers<br />
I filled out an Advance<br />
Health Care Directive.<br />
How can I make sure it<br />
will be followed?<br />
First, sign it and have it<br />
witnessed. Ask your doctor<br />
to put it in your medical<br />
file. The law says that your<br />
doctor and your health care<br />
agent must follow your<br />
wishes. See page 28.<br />
What if I am in hospice<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n I get better?<br />
You can leave hospice at<br />
any time. You can leave if<br />
you get better. You can also<br />
leave if you decide that you<br />
want more treatment <strong>for</strong><br />
your condition.<br />
things you can do<br />
To Find a Hospice Program<br />
Ask your <strong>HMO</strong> or visit www.calnhs.org.<br />
Pain Management<br />
Medicare covers most pain medications <strong>for</strong> people<br />
who are terminally ill. You can get pain management<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r or not you are in hospice. Tell your doctor if<br />
you are in pain. See page 45.<br />
Forms to Discuss with Your Doctor and Family<br />
An Advance Health Care Directive lets you say<br />
what care you want if you cannot speak <strong>for</strong><br />
yourself. See page 28.<br />
A POLST <strong>for</strong>m is a Physician Order signed by your<br />
doctor and by you or your health care agent. It tells<br />
your health care providers how to follow your<br />
wishes near <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> life. For more in<strong>for</strong>mation,<br />
talk to your doctor or visit www.finalchoices.org.<br />
Help <strong>for</strong> Caregivers<br />
A hospice program can help you find extra support<br />
and deal with emotional stress. Your <strong>HMO</strong> may also<br />
have a social worker you can talk with. Call Family<br />
Caregiver Alliance.<br />
where to find help<br />
Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Coalition <strong>for</strong> Compassionate Care<br />
Advance Health Care Directive and POLST <strong>for</strong>ms<br />
and in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
www.finalchoices.org<br />
Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Nursing Home Search<br />
A guide to hospice care www.calnhs.org<br />
Family Caregiver Alliance<br />
Help <strong>for</strong> family caregivers<br />
1-800-445-8106 www.caregiver.org
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