When one faces a serious illness, “Plan A” is to utilize the powers of modern medicine to try to restore health. But what if that plan doesn’t work as desired? What if the patient is left chronically debilitated in a nursing home? What if the patient is trapped in the intensive care unit before inevitable … Continue reading Innovative approach to improving serious illness care
“Passionate” was the word everyone uses to describe Amy Culley. Amy was passionate about making a difference in people’s lives even following a stage IV colon cancer diagnosis in 2012. As part of Amy’s journey, she learned of Baylor Scott & White Health’s palliative care program. This program made such a huge difference to Amy and her family, … Continue reading Amy Culley lived life to the last
As we told you a few days ago, we’re talking palliative care on multiple platforms this week. We kicked it off with our first #bswhchats Twitter chat on the topic on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, KERA News (90.1 FM) highlighted the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas music therapy program. Reporter Lauren Silverman’s touching piece … Continue reading Listen: ‘On Call’ podcast launches with focus on palliative care
A massive effort to highlight the importance of advance health care decision-making has led to the formal designation of April 16, 2010 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). This public awareness initiative seeks to increase the number of people who have thought about end-of-life care and made their wishes known through advance care directives. (See … Continue reading Take part in National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16th
“Do not resuscitate,” commonly known as a DNR or Do-Not-Resuscitate Order, means that you do not want medical personnel to revive you if your breathing or heartbeat stop as a result of a terminal illness or life-threatening injury. Unless other instructions are available, medical staff will try to help all patients who have stopped breathing … Continue reading Do not resuscitate: What does it mean exactly?
With a purse-shaped cake and a gathering of loved ones, a woman celebrates her 100th birthday, something she didn’t think she’d see when she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. But thanks to the Scott & White hospice care team, she is able to have her dying wish granted. “If there’s something that a patient … Continue reading Hospice workers help patients maintain their quality of life
