DYING IN AMERICA AND HONORING INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES NEAR THE END OF LIFE, with recommendations for major changes, was issued last week (9/17/14) by THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE’S RESEARCH ARM, THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE. It suggests an overhaul of current practice at almost every level. (See “Newsworthy” 9/17/14 at right for NY Times report on the report.) 

Palliative Care is mentioned several times as an important aspect of the “overhaul” ideas. While we obviously can’t count on this recommended “overhaul” to take place immediately, it would seem that those not familiar with palliative care, would do well to check out specifics in the “Newsworthy” (right sidebar) 12/16/13 NPR Palliative Care broadcast–as well as “Related” below.

Palliative care is an available option that– if appropriate–could make a significant difference for caregivers and the comfort level of elders as we try to help parents age well….until the end.

Related: Post– Palliative Care and Hospice Both Help Aging Parents: Know the Difference.
                         An Oregon Health Sciences University Prof Weighs in, supporting the new Guidelines