2006 Patient and Family Services Program – Suncoast Hospice
“A Plan for Life: Your Personal Journal and Resource Guide”
Give us an update on your winning program…Is it still in existence? How has it changed or grown since you were first recognized?
A Plan for Life was originally created to give all of our newly admitted hospice patients and their families a comprehensive tool to help inform and support them as they face the realities of advanced illness, caregiving and grief. I am happy to say that A Plan for Life is still a central part of our commitment to help all patients and families connect with meaningful information. We consider it a “living document” and over the years have updated the content and design, integrated its use into education and program initiatives and found new uses for the guide in reaching out to community partners about end of life care.
How has your program affected patient and/or community outcomes?
Giving A Plan for Life to each newly admitted patient and family has ensured that everyone served by our hospice program has access to the same information and can use it in their own time, at their own pace and in their own way. We hear stories about the guide being used to initiate difficult conversations, journal about wishes and help patients and caregivers know what to expect.
How can people find out more about your winning program?
Several resources adapted from A Plan for Life are available on our website www.thehospice.org. For more information people can contact Louise Cleary, Director of Public Affairs and Marketing at (727) HOSPICE (467-7423).
The ‘A Plan for Life’ document