| Resource Guide for Life's End
The Life's End Institute: Missoula Demonstration Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for dying people and their families in Missoula County. The institute's mission is to research the experience of dying and the determinants of quality at life's end, and to demonstrate that a community-based approach of excellent physical, psychosocial and spiritual care improves the quality of life for dying people and their families.
Research the institute conducted between 1997 and 2000 revealed a tremendous difference between what people say they want at life's end and what they actually experience. The institute's current projects work locally to bridge that gap. The institute also serves as a resource center and consulting service, assisting communities throughout the nation to improve the quality of life for people who are dying and their families.
The institute has compiled the following resource guide as a means of connecting you with information for yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors and anyone else within the community who you believe may benefit from this publication.
If we inadvertently omitted your organization from this publication, please accept our apology. Please call us at (406) 728-1613 so we may include you in subsequent publications. Many additional sources of support are listed in the Missoulian's annual guides, "Uncover Missoula," and the "Health Resource Guide." We also offer an online Health Care Directory for Missoula, that lists professionals in
Alzheimer's Care,
Assisted Living Home Care, Nursing Homes and more.
Local resources
Choices Bank:
P.O. Box 8485, Missoula, MT 59807; (406) 329-2707; www.choicesbank.org. This free service is a secure electronic repository that makes your advance directive available anytime, anywhere but only to those who should see it. Bring your advance directive for deposit to either Missoula hospital, any Western Montana Clinic office, Missoula Aging Services or other locations listed at www.choicesbank.org.
Human Resource Council/First Call For Help:
1801 South Higgins Ave.Missoula, MT 59801; (406) 728-3710 or (406) 549-5555; www.hrcxi.org/firstcall.html The First Call for Help Community Services Database is a searchable, comprehensive, up-to-date listing of nonprofit community organizations, public agencies and self-help groups that provide human services in Missoula and Ravalli counties.
Life's End Institute: The Missoula Demonstration Project:
320 E. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802; (406) 728-1613; www.lifes-end.org. Life's End Institute has a lending library with books on illness, caregiving, dying, death and bereavement. The institute offers many other resources, including pain-rating scales and the "My Choices" advance directive form, with information and instructions. The institute is a deposit location that accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank. For a complete listing of available resources, visit: www.lifes-end.org.
Missoula Aging Services:
337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801; (406) 728-7682 or (800) 551-3191; www.missoulaagingservices.org. Missoula Aging Services addresses long-term care, health care, end-of-life issues, nutrition, caregiving, transportation, legal issues and Medicare. Its Senior Help Line and Resource Center provide information about the numerous support groups and services available to senior citizens, including information about housing, transportation, shopping assistance, home health and care options. Missoula Aging Services is also a deposit location that accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank.
Partners In Home Care, Inc.:
2687 Palmer St., Suite B; Missoula, Mont. 59808; (406) 728-8848; www.partnersinhomecare.com. Partner's Hospice and Palliative Care Services has books and videos related to dying, death and bereavement that are available for check-out. The organization serves as a deposit location that accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank.
Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center: Center for Health Information:
500 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802; (406) 329-5710; www.saintpatrick.org/chi. This is a public medical library for patients, families, friends and health-care providers. Librarians are available to help consumers find information about illness, medications, bereavement and other health topics. The library is also a deposit location that accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank. The library is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
To ensure your health-care choices will be honored...
A generation or two ago, no one could have imagined the tough medical choices that many people today face at the end of life. Miraculous medical advances have made it possible for people to recover from or live with many serious health problems. But these advances have also made dying more complicated. Many of us and those whom we love will not be able to make decisions at life's end. And yet these tough decisions must be made. Fortunately, you can still make your own decisions by planning in advance:
- Think about what you value about life and your goals for this stage of life.
- Talk to those who matter, including your doctor, about your values and how you would like to be cared for at the end of life.
- Pick someone you trust to be your advocate and discuss your choices with that person.
- Put your choices in writing in an advance directive with a power of attorney for health care and a living will.
- Deposit your advance directive in the Choices Bank so it can be found quickly when needed.
- Review your advance directive periodically, especially as your life changes.
Local resources
Choices Bank
www.choicesbank.org
P.O. Box 8485
Missoula, Mont. 59807
(406) 329-2707
Too often an advance directive, such as a living will, cannot be found quickly when it's needed most. You can prevent confusion for your doctors and an unnecessary burden on your family by depositing your advance directive in the Choices Bank. This free community service makes your advance directive available anytime, anywhere. The following organizations have advance-directive forms and information and serve as Choices Bank deposit locations:
- Community Medical Center
- St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
- Western Montana Clinic and its satellite facilities throughout Montana
- Partners in Home Care, Inc.
- Nightingale Nursing and Caregiver Services
- Home Health of Montana
- Life's End Institute: Missoula Demonstration Project
- Christ the King Parish Nurse program
- Hospice of Missoula
Life's End Institute
www.lifes-end.org
320 E. Main St.
Missoula, Mont. 59802
(406) 728-1613
Provides advance directive forms and information. The institute can accept advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank.
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center www.saintpatrick.org
500 W. Broadway
Missoula, Mont. 59802
Library: (406) 329-5710; Advance care planning information: (406) 329-5789
The hospital's Center for Health Information medical library as well as chaplains and social workers provide advance-directive forms and advice and can accept advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank. The library is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Community Medical Center Hospital www.communitymed.org
2827 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, Mont. 59804 Social services: (406) 327-4064; Chaplain: (406) 327-4063
Social workers and the chaplain can provide advance directive forms and advice and can accept advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank.
Printed resources
Dunn, Hank. "Hard Choices for Loving People: CPR, Artificial Feeding, Comfort Measures Only and the Elderly Patient." Herndon, Va. A & A Publishers, Inc., 1997 (P.O. Box 1098, Herndon, Va. 20172-1098).
This booklet, written by an experienced hospice chaplain, is a great source of specific information about medical treatments at the end of life, their likely outcomes for elderly people, and the kinds of decisions people have to make.
Meyer, Charles. "A Good Death: Challenges, Choices and Care Options." Mystic, Conn.: Twenty-third Publications, 1998.
"A good death is one that is consistent with the life that preceded it." This short book helps readers learn the possibilities at life's end, what to ask, and how to plan for a good death on our own terms.
"Finding Your Own Way: A Guide for End-of-Life Medical Decisions." Sacramento Healthcare Decisions (4747 Engle Road, Carmichael, Ca. 95608, 1999. Call (916) 484-2485 for prices.). This pamphlet covers the basics of the advance health care planning process and offers helpful sample questions to ask yourself and your physician at various stages.
"My Choices" advance-directive form and "My Choices: Creating An Advance Directive" information and instructions. Life's End Institute (320 E. Main St., Missoula, Mont. 59802) 2003.
A Montana-specific advance directive form written in plain English, which allows you to choose a person to make decisions if you cannot (a power of attorney for health care), and to provide directions for health care at the end of life (a living will). Also available at www.choicesbank.org or www.lifes-end.org. The form is also downloadable as a PDF document. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM.
"Personal Thoughts about Medical Treatment and Related Values and Views." H.E.L.P., (1404 Cravens Ave., Torrance, Ca. 90501, $5) 1997.
A workbook to determine and state your medical-treatment preferences and the values and views that formed them.
"Q & A: Health-care Agents: Appointing One and Being One." Partnership for Caring, (1620 Eye St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 or www.partnershipforcaring.org, $5.95).
A health-care agent is someone you designate to make medical decisions when you can't. Selecting one for yourself or agreeing to be one for someone else requires preparation and communication. Often people don't know what issues to discuss. This booklet answers commonly asked questions and provides information to assist in effective decision-making.
Internet Resources
Partnership for Caring: America's Voices for the Dying (800) 989-9455; www.partnershipforcaring.org
This national, nonprofit organization is devoted to raising consumer expectations and increasing demand for excellent care at the end of life. It provides information and education about advance directives and state-specific advance directive forms.
Talking About Your Choices. Last Acts Coalition and Partnership for Caring
www.lastacts.org/la_er_choicesbrochure.html This booklet outlines the basics of the advance-care planning process. It offers questions to help you identify what to think about, whom to talk to, what to discuss and how to select and prepare someone you designate through a power of attorney for health care. It also includes a helpful description of life-support measures.
Consumer's Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning American Bar Association, Commission on Law and Aging
www.abanet.org/aging A free on-line series of 10 "tools" with resources, worksheets and suggestions to help consumers discover, clarify and communicate what is important if you become seriously ill.
Lawyer's Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning American Bar Association, Commission on Law and Aging www.abanet.org/aging A series of 10 "tools" that lawyers can give their clients. Each contains self-help worksheets, suggestions, and resources to help focus the discussion and help a client work through issues. The booklet and companion disk in Microsoft Word is $29.
To find meaning at the end of life...
"I have learned from my patients and their families a surprising truth about dying: this stage of life holds remarkable possibilities. Despite the arduous nature of the experience, when people are relatively comfortable and know that they are not going to be abandoned, they frequently find ways to strengthen the bonds with people they love and to create moments of profound meaning in their final passage."
Ira Byock, M.D.
As loved ones near the end of life, there's no more important task than helping them to see value in the life they have lived and the relationships they have made. Hospice has established five markers of relationship completion.
These markers are the things we need to say to one another:
I forgive you.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
And, goodbye.
With these statements often come memories and stories, those treasured tales that make each individual unique. Find the courage. Take the time to speak. Meaning will find its voice.
Local resources
Storekeepers (406) 549-0752 storykeepers@montana.com
A nonprofit organization providing resources and support for life story and life review.
Faith communities
Faith communities provide a variety of resources for all age groups. They frequently offer education, health promotion, social, emotional and spiritual support. Often pastors or lay ministry leaders provide counseling for individuals and families. Many faith groups also have Web sites.
Counselors - See the grief-resource section of this guide for suggestions on how to find a counselor.
Printed resources
Books
Albom, Mitch. "Tuesdays with Morrie." New York: Doubleday, 1997.
The author tells of time he spent with his mentor, a professor from his college days, who is dying. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final class: a lesson in how to live.
Byock, Ira. "Dying Well: The Prospect for Growth at the End of Life." New York: Riverhead Books, 1997.
A book about realizing the human potential to grow, as individuals and as members of families, through the process of dying. It tells stories about tragedy, but also about love, commitment and courage.
Colby, William. "Long Goodbye: The Deaths of Nancy Cruzan." Carlsbad, Calif.: Hay House, 2002.
This book, by the attorney for the family of Nancy Cruzan, follows their extraordinary journey to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow them to honor Nancy's wishes and remove her from life support. This landmark case affirmed our right to accept or refuse medical treatment even if we cannot speak for ourselves.
Frankl, Viktor. "Man's Search For Meaning." New York: Pocket Books, 1959.
The former Auschwitz prisoner turned prolific writer describes the psychotherapeutic method he developed as a result of surviving a Nazi concentration camp. Frankl's "logotherapy" operates on the belief that peoples' deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose.
Levine, Stephen. "Who Dies? An Investigation of Conscious Living and Conscious Dying." New York: Doubleday, 1982.
The publisher describes this book as "...the first to show the reader how to open to the immensity of living with death, to participate fully in life as the perfect preparation for whatever may come next. Levine provides calm compassion rather than the frightening melodrama of death."
Lewis, C.S. "A Grief Observed." New York: Bantam Books, 1961.
Lewis's wife of four years dies. To defend himself against the loss of belief in God, Lewis wrote this journal, a statement of rediscovered faith.
Miller, James E. "When You Know You're Dying: 12 Thoughts to Guide You Through the Days Ahead." Indiana: Willowgreen Publishing, 1997.
Leads those who are dying to understand the importance of meeting the needs of the whole person - body, mind, heart, and soul.
Morris, Virginia. "Talking about Death Won't Kill You." New York: Workman Publishing, 2001.
"Talking about death means talking about loss, pain, and ultimately our deepest fears. But it also means talking about love, intimacy and all that makes life enriching."
Rinpoche, Sogyal. "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying." San Francisco: Harper, 1992.
Popular Tibetan teacher Sogyal Rinpoche transforms the ancient translation of an obscure Tibetan Nyingma, offering a guide to the Tibetan tradition. Presents death as more of an opportunity than a crisis.
Stone, Richard. "The Healing Art of Storytelling: A Sacred Journey Of Personal Discovery." New York: Hyperion, 1996.
Storytelling is a lifeline to understanding. This book has many guidelines for doing storytelling in a group and to help individuals "reclaim and polish the stories our real lives are waiting for us to tell."
Tobin, Daniel R., M.D., "Peaceful Dying: The Step-By-Step Guide to Preserving Your Dignity, Your Choice and Your Inner Peace at the End of Life." Perseus Books, 1999.
Based on the FairCare Program founded at the VA Hospital in Albany, N.Y., this book presents 26 steps to help those who are dying. Has chapters on finding forgiveness, embracing love and achieving peace.
Wolterstorff, Nicholas. "Lament For A Son." Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987.
This book chronicles a father's journey through grief as he mourns his deceased son. The author explores grieving, suffering, and death, and God's role in it all.
Other printed resources
"Gathering the Life Stories of the Dying." A simple guide to collecting stories from those who are aging or who have reached the end of life. Available from the Life's End Institute or via the Internet at www.lifes-end.org/gathering_life_stories.phtml.
Internet resources
Hospice Foundation of America www.hospicefoundation.org
Provides general information about hospice, but also offers aid in locating a hospice near you and related organizations. Shares hospice stories and resources.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org
This organization offers information on local hospice and palliative care programs across the country and operates a toll-free help line at (800) 658-8898. This is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. The organization is committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.
Zen Hospice www.zenhospice.org
The project provides professional training and retreats for health care professionals at medical centers, consulting services to hospice organizations, experiential community workshops exploring the individual relationship to suffering and death, support and meditation groups and retreats for people living with life threatening illness.
Other resources
American Self-Help Clearinghouse www.selfhelpgroups.org
Services include a national directory of more than 1,000 national and international self-help support groups for a variety of stressful life situations, including caregiver concerns and bereavement. Also lists self-help clearinghouses worldwide.
Palliative care
Palliative care is the kind of care most of us hope to receive. Palliative care looks after the whole person, attending to the physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs associated with advanced illness. Palliative care affirms life and regards the dying process as a part of living.
The goal of palliative care is to provide the best quality of life for patients and their families through the relief of suffering, control of symptoms and restoration of functional capacity. Palliative care includes bereavement support for surviving loved ones.
Palliative care:
- Respects the goals, likes and choices of the patient;
- Attends to the medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the dying person;
- Supports the needs of family members;
- Helps gain access to needed health-care providers and appropriate care settings; and
- Builds ways to provide excellent care.
In the United States, hospice currently provides the bulk of palliative-care services and treatment. Palliative care is administered by a health-care team that may include doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as family members, one or more social workers, mental-health professionals, pastoral counselors and home health agency personnel.
Local resources
Services
Hospice and Palliative Care Services (a program of Partners In Home Care, Inc.) www.partnersinhomecare.org
2687 Palmer St., Suite B
Missoula, Mont. 59808
(406) 728-8848
This home hospice team offers physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill persons and their families. Hospice and palliative care services are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Their emphasis is on pain control and alleviating distressing symptoms in order to enhance quality of life. Along with the patient's doctor, the hospice team includes nurses, social workers, a chaplain, occupational and physical therapists and volunteers. Hospice and palliative-care services offer emotional and spiritual support, in recognition of how difficult it is to talk about and cope with death and grief. Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and private donations. Care is provided regardless of ability to pay.
Hospice of Missoula
800 Kensington, Suite 209
Missoula, Mont. 59801
(406) 543-4408
Hospice of Missoula provides end-of-life care for people in their own homes, in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. It concentrates on making patients as free of pain and as comfortable as they want, so they can make the most of the time that remains to them. The staff provides physical and emotional support to the patients and their families and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Palliative Care Service www.dyingwell.org
225 Adams Street, Suite 200
Missoula, Mont. 59802
(406) 728-8643
This service offers consultation and counseling for people confronting life-limiting illness either personally or in their family. The Palliative Care Service also offers educational programs and resources, locally and nationally. The Palliative Care Service also offers educational programs and resources, locally and nationally.
Music
Caritas Music-Thanatology Clinicians, (a program at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center)
500 W. Broadway
Missoula, Mont. 59802
(406) 329-6116 (pager)
A palliative care program of St. Patrick Hospital, Caritas is a multi-institutional clinical practice of music-thanatology. Music-thanatology is the delivery of prescriptive music, using harp and voice, in the care of the dying. Professionals trained as musician-clinicians come to the bedside of each dying patient to offer musical prescriptions with the goal of relieving physical, emotional, and spiritual pain that often burdens the dying and their loved ones. In Missoula, health-care facilities offer music-thanatology as a standard component of end-of-life supportive care. Neither the individual nor their surviving loved ones will be billed for service.
Heart To Harp
(406) 327-7964
This organization offers an integration of music and touch as a complementary healing modality. Music, principally harp, flute and voice, is offered in tandem with hands-on therapeutic touch and reiki. The effect is deep relaxation and alignment of energy flow which promotes healing on both physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Harp to Heart plays at nursing homes, hospice, individual homes and at memorial and funeral services.
Support Groups
General Cancer Support Group (a program at Saint Patrick Hospital and Health Science Center
500 W. Broadway
Missoula, Mont. 59802
(406) 542-2191
This ongoing support group is free and open to the public. It meets every Thursday in Conference Room A in the new Broadway Building from 1 to 2 p.m.
American Cancer Society, Missoula office
3550 Mullan Road, Suite 105
Missoula, Mont. 59808
(406) 542-2191 or (877) 488-7723
American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
Living Art: Cancer, Courage and Creativity
(406) 549-5329
A 10-week workshop for those who have had cancer in the past or are currently experiencing it. This support group uses poetry, journaling, mask-making, role playing and body movement to express and explore the cancer experience.
Printed resources
"A Vision for Better Care at the End of Life: Five Principles of Palliative Care Developed by the Last Acts Task Forces on Palliative Care and the Family." Free.
Distributed by the Life's End Institute, 320 East Main St., Missoula, MT 59802 406/728-1613
or visit www.lastacts.org
Books
Buckingham, Robert W., and Hurzeler, Rosemary Johnson. "The Handbook for Hospice Care." Prometheus Books, 1996.
A resource on hospice in the United States, this book is both for lay and professional audiences.
Saunders, Cicely; Baines, Mary; and Dunlop, Robert. "Living with Dying: A Guide to Palliative Care." Oxford University Press, 1995.
This is a clear, concise, practical guide for those interested in supporting those who are dying. Emphasizes pain control.
Sheehan, Denice C., and Forman, Walter B., "Hospice and Palliative Care: Concepts and Practice." Sudbury, Mass. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1996.
Presents a historical overview of hospice and explains how the interdisciplinary team works.
Storey, Porter. "Primer of Palliative Care." American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (P.O. Box 14288 Gainesville, Fla. 32604-2288)
This introductory guide is meant for the physicians and hospice teams who care for terminally-ill patients in a variety of settings. Contents include pain management, dyspnea control, nausea and vomiting, psychological, social and spiritual distress, anorexia, constipation, restlessness and delirium, burnout prevention.
Internet Resources
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine www.aahpm.org
The only physician organization in the United States dedicated to improving the quality of palliative and end-of-life care. Academy members are active in education, research and advocacy to improve the quality of care and quality of life for dying patients and their families. Meeting notices, access to educational resources and communication with the academy office and members is available.
Americans for Better Care of the Dying www.dyingwell.org
4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 418, Washington, DC 20016. (202) 895-2660
ABCD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to social, professional and policy reform aimed to improve the care system for patients with serious illness, and their families.
Medicare Rights Center www.medicarerights.org
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit organization that helps ensure that older adults and people with disabilities get good affordable health care. The center provides telephone hotline services to individuals who need answers to Medicare questions or help securing coverage and getting the health care they need.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org
Toll-free, (800) 658-8898
This organization offers information on local hospice and palliative care programs across the country. It is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative-care programs and professionals in the United States. The organization is committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.
To find caregiving support ...
"We were all in the room, holding her hand, telling her we loved her. We thanked her for letting us be a part of her transition which was so beautiful, to see her peaceful, to hold her hand and feel this great powerful comfort of doing this. We felt so much love and warmth that time in the bonding that we all had with each other."
A caregiver describing a loved one's final moments
Nearly one in four U.S. households has an informal caregiver - someone who is providing for the daily needs of an elderly relative or a person with advanced illness. Caregiving at the end of life most often falls to family members. Typically caregivers are women - daughters, wives, sisters. Nearly one quarter are providing care for two individuals.
On average, caregivers spend four and one half years providing care. Some 25.8 million Americans spend an average of 18 hours weekly caring for frail relatives. With the aging of the baby boom population, these figures stand only to increase.
Outside support is necessary for successful caregiving, particularly with transportation, household chores and other routine activities.
Here are some sources of support:
Local resources
Human Resource Council/First Call For Help www.hrcxi.org/firstcall.html (free access, registration required)
1801 South Higgins Ave. Missoula, Mont. 59801 (406) 728-3710 or (406) 549-5555
The First Call for Help Community Services Database is a searchable, comprehensive, up-to-date listing of nonprofit community organizations, public agencies and self-help groups that provide human services in Missoula and Ravalli counties.
Alzheimer's Support Group (406) 677-2517
For families and friends who have someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Meets the fourth Monday of the month, September through May.
Caring Circles (406) 728-1613
This program provides direction and support to establish teams of volunteers to support family caregivers and their care recipients. Caring Circle volunteers assist in shopping, doctor visits, and household help or as needed by the family.
Caring Friends (406) 549-4144
This is a care team ministry of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Choices Bank - Accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank, an electronic repository that makes them available anytime, anywhere, but only to those who should see them.
Lutheran Social Services 800 Kensington Missoula, Mont. 59801 (406) 549-0147
Counseling and support groups for family caregivers and grief counseling.
Medicaid Home and Community Services (406) 329-1312
Senior & Long Term Care Division, Department of Health and Human Services, serves Medicaid clients in cost-effective home settings as an option to nursing-home placement. A wide range of services is provided.
Missoula Aging Services 337 Stephens Ave. Missoula, Mont. 59801 (406) 728-7682
Missoula Aging Services offers a variety of services, including the following:
- Choices Bank - Accepts advance directives for deposit in the Choices Bank, an electronic repository that makes them available anytime, anywhere, but only to those who should see them.
- Meals on Wheels - (406) 728-7587. Delivers hot nutritious meals weekdays to people who are 60 and older, and homebound. Special diets and weekend meals are available.
- Care Management - Ensures that those in need get access to appropriate services. Also operates the Caring Caller Program.
- Senior Companion Program - Provides a supportive person to assist the elderly so they may continue to live independently. Provides weekly respite for caregivers.
- Extensive Resource Library - Available by walk-in or by mail. Information packets available: Hiring a Home Caregiver, A Caregiver Guide, and Dealing with Alzheimer's.
- Senior Help Line - (406) 728-7682. Maintains lists of: Licensed nursing homes, assisted living or personal-care homes, adult foster homes, senior housing of various types, respite care in the home or in a facility, in-home health services, and companions to the elderly.
Missoula AIDS Council (406) 543-4770
Case management, referrals for funding sources, counseling, support groups and other activities.
Missoula Veterans Administration Primary Care Center 900 N. Orange, Suite 206 Missoula, Mont. 59802 (406) 327-0912
Provides basic, primary health care services and medications for veterans.
Montana Talking Book Library (800) 332-3400
Provides cassette recordings, books, and magazines for people with visual and physical disabilities.
Parish Nurses
St. Patrick Hospital Parish Nurse coordinator, (406) 329-2641
This program is available in a growing number of congregations. It promotes health and healing in faith communities, but not hands-on care. Parish nurses offer help for caregivers and those facing life-threatening illnesses.
Stephen Ministry
A lay program that provides confidential one-on-one Christian caregiving. A trained volunteer works with a care receiver through a difficult time. Inquire in your faith community.
Western Montana Radio Reading Service 337 Stephens Ave. Missoula, Mont. 59801 (406) 721-1998
Provides a closed-circuit radio service of reading newspapers over the air to people who are blind or unable to read. Free receiving equipment available.
Printed resources
Babcock, Elise NeeDell. "When Life Becomes Precious, A Guide for Loved Ones and Friends of Cancer Patients." Bantam Books, 1997.
Contains practical information and inspiration to be as supportive as possible.
"Beedle, J., The Carebook: A Workbook for Caregiver Peace of Mind." Self-published by author. Call (503) 760-5750.
This workbook focuses on caregiving needs for the person with Alzheimer's disease or other debilitating illnesses. This book provides structure for organizing information on the patient in one place and contains helpful caregiver hints.
Capossela, Cappy, and Warnock, Sheila. "Share the Care: How to Organize a Group to Care for Someone Who Is Seriously Ill." Simon & Schuster, 1995.
An excellent resource for making the work of caregiving a pleasure for everyone.
Grollman, Earl A., "Caring and Coping When Your Loved One Is Seriously Ill." Beacon Press, 1995.
Written to assist you in moving from helplessness to helpfulness; to help you cope with your emotional upheaval and better understand the needs of your loved one.
Furman, Joan, and McNabb, David, "The Dying Time; Practical Wisdom for the Dying & their Caregivers." Bell Tower, 1997.
Offers insights on achieving peace and tranquility, giving physical care, and responding to emotional and spiritual crises.
Miller, James E., "One You Love is Dying: 12 Thoughts to Guide You On the Journey." Willowgreen Publishing, 1997.
Ideas to help you make the most of this time of caring for another person while you also find ways to care for yourself.
Piper, Mary, "Another Country - Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders." Riverhead Books, 1999.
A guide to help understand the journey into old age. Scenarios that may help bridge the communication gap and create a mutual understanding between children, adults and elders.
Ram Dass and Gorman, Paul, "How Can I Help?" Knopf, 1985.
A practical companion providing support and inspiration for us in our efforts as members of the helping professions, as volunteers, as community activists, or simply as friends and family trying to meet each other's needs.
Vitez, Michael, "Final Choices: Seeking The Good Death," Camino Books, Inc. Philadelphia 1998.
This book was the winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize.
Internet resources
Family Caregivers Alliance www.caregiver.org (415) 434-3388
Support organization for caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, ALS, and related brain disorders.
National Family Caregivers Association www.nfcacares.org (800) 896-3650
A national nonprofit membership organization serving all family caregivers regardless of their relationship to the person receiving care or that person's medical condition or diagnosis.
National Federation of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers www.ivcp.org
This group promotes diversity and interfaith initiatives for volunteer caregiving in local communities.
Finding opportunities for healthy grieving
Thomas Attig in his book "A Grieving as Relearning the World" describes the complexity of our lives and the ways in which we must relearn our world after the death of a loved one. Suddenly we must relearn our relationship to our physical surroundings, our relationships to other people, our relation to our work and to ourselves. Grief affects our entire web of life. The following resources may help you as you go about relearning your relationship to the world.
For information on choosing a counselor, visit the American Association of Pastoral Counselors at www.aapc.org or the American Psychological Association at www.helping.apa.org.
Local resources
Support groups
The Compassionate Friends Support Group 300 East Main St. Missoula, Mont. 59802 (406) 543-8840 or (406) 549-7611
Offers support groups for parents, siblings and grandparents who have lost a child, infant, or experience a stillbirth. Meetings are the last Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The meetings are free and open to the public.
Bereavement and Loss Support Group (a program of Partners In Home Care Hospice and Palliative Care Services, Inc.) 2687 Palmer St., Suite B Missoula, Mont. 59808 (406) 327-3624
Free bereavement support groups offered six times each year are open to the adult public who are grieving the loss of a loved one. A free support group for those grieving a death due to suicide is also offered each year.
Garden City Funeral Home Bereavement Support Group 1705 W. Broadway Missoula, Mont. 59802 (406) 549-7221
Meets on the first Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Seasons Family Grief Support and Education 407 E. Main St. Missoula, Mont. 59802 (406) 721-7690
Support group open to families who have experienced a death. Offered annually by Families First, University of Montana, and Hospice and Palliative Care Services. Meets at Families First. Open to the public with a sliding fee scale.
Missoula City-County Health Department: Missoula Parent Support Program (406) 523-4750
The Missoula Parent Support program was established to help support grieving families. Provides home visits by a public health nurse to assist with referral to grief resources. Also promotes the health and safety of infants and children.
Other Services
Camp To Remember (formerly Camp O-Ki-Suya) (406) 721-7690
This is a camp for children ages 8-14 who have experienced a death. Sponsored by Families First. Held at Camp Paxson the last week of July.
Printed resources
Books Grollman, Earl A., "Living When a Loved One Has Died." Beacon Press, 1995.
A short, simple book to help with the shock, suffering and recovery following a loss.
Kushner, Harold, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." New York: Schocken Books, 2001.
Kushner is a Jewish rabbi who faced his own child's fatal illness and guides us through the inadequacies of the traditional answers to the problem of evil, then provides a uniquely practical and compassionate answer that has appealed to millions of readers of all religious creeds.
Rando, Therese, "How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies." Bantam, 1991.
Grief is an individual response; this book helps readers find the best ways to help themselves grieve and find solace.
Remen, M.D., Naomi Rachel, "Kitchen Table Wisdom - Stories That Heal." New York: Riverhead Books, 1997.
Also available on cassette. This book invites us to listen to one another's stories again and draw from traditional, practical "kitchen table wisdom." It addresses all the spiritual issues: suffering, meaning, love, faith and miracles in the language and authority of our own life experience.
Internet resources
GriefNet www.rivendell.org
An Internet site offering information and support via the Internet or e-mail.
The Center for Loss and Life Transition www.centerforloss.com A private organization dedicated to furthering our understanding of and compassion for the complex set of emotions called grief. The center's mission is to help both the bereaved, by walking with them in their unique life journeys, and bereavement caregivers, by serving as their educational liaison and a professional forum. |
