Grace & Dignity End of Life Services

07/20/2025

What is an Advanced Care Plan?

An Advanced Care Plan (also known as an Advance Care Plan or Advance Directive) is a document or process that outlines a person’s preferences for future medical care in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is used to guide healthcare providers and loved ones in making decisions that align with the person’s values, wishes, and beliefs.

Key Elements of an Advanced Care Plan:
1. Treatment Preferences:
Specifies the types of medical treatments you would or would not want, such as:
• Life-sustaining treatments (e.g., CPR, mechanical ventilation)
• Artificial nutrition and hydration
• Pain management preferences
2. Health Care Proxy / Power of Attorney:
Designates someone (a healthcare agent or proxy) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
3. Goals and Values:
Includes personal values, goals for care, and definitions of quality of life. For example:
• “I want to stay at home as long as possible.”
• “I don’t want aggressive treatments if they won’t help me recover.”
4. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) or Do Not Attempt CPR (DNACPR) Orders (optional):
A medical order that indicates whether you want resuscitation efforts if your heart stops or you stop breathing.
5. Preferred Place of Care and Death:
Some people specify where they would prefer to receive care (e.g., home, hospice, hospital).

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Who Should Have an Advanced Care Plan?
• Anyone with a chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, or who is aging.
• Even healthy individuals can benefit by clarifying their wishes in the event of an unexpected medical emergency.

Benefits:
• Reduces stress and confusion for loved ones
• Ensures that medical care aligns with your wishes
• Helps healthcare teams make informed, respectful decisions

07/20/2025

Anyone 18 years and older needs to have one.

What Is an advanced care directive?

Advanced care planning involves making decisions about future medical care in case you’re ever unable to communicate your wishes. This may include choosing a healthcare proxy, creating advance directives, and discussing preferences for end-of-life care.

Having a plan in place ensures that your wishes are known and respected, reducing uncertainty and stress for your loved ones. It allows you to remain in control of your care while providing clarity and peace of mind for those who will be supporting you.

Yes. End of Life Doulas can help guide conversations, provide resources, and ensure that your wishes are clearly documented. While they don’t provide legal or medical advice, they can help you explore options and facilitate discussions with loved ones.

07/20/2025

What is an End of Life Doula?

An End of Life Doula (EOLD) is a trained companion who provides emotional, practical, and informational support for individuals and families facing the end of life.
An End of Life Doula can also be known as a Death Doula, Death Midwife, Death Walker, or End Of Life Guide. An EOLD provides support and care to those in the last phases of their lives. EOLDs recognize death as a normal process of living and focus on quality of life for the individuals and their family/caregivers.
Doulas help with legacy projects, vigil planning, family conversations, and ensuring personal wishes are honored—all with a focus on comfort and dignity

While hospice provides medical care and pain management, end-of-life doulas offer non-medical support that complements hospice services. Doulas provide additional time, guidance, and emotional support that can help individuals and families navigate this transition with clarity and peace.

There’s no “too early.” Some people seek guidance in the final weeks or months of life, while others begin years in advance. Doulas can support early conversations about wishes, assist with advanced care planning, and provide companionship throughout the process.

07/02/2025

Experiences of engaging a death doula.

Family members' experience with a death doula was overwhelmingly positive, empowering them practically and emotionally to deliver the best end-of-life care. Empathy and sharing of knowledge by death doulas were valued by families and resulted in an increase in death literacy which provided families....

07/02/2025

Are you living your life now? What are you waiting for?

We don’t often pause to ask, What did I trade a day of my life for? In this heartfelt reflection, hospice nurse Barbara Karnes, RN, shares the simple questions she asks herself each night—and how we can all find meaning in the moments we so often overlook.

06/21/2025

Talking about death can help with people to get their ‘house’ in order. Peace of mind is priceless for you and those that love you. Simple things have a huge impact. Allow me to help you!

06/10/2025

Well done NYS!!

I have incredible news from Albany – moments ago we passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act by 35-27 in the New York State Senate.

This historic vote is the result of more than a decade of strategic, determined advocacy led by Compassion & Choices and powered by you. Together, we’ve built a powerful movement in New York—raising awareness, changing hearts and minds, and pushing this bill forward session after session.

The bill now moves to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk. We don’t know where Gov. Hochul stands on the bill, and our team is still working around the clock to show her why New Yorkers need this compassionate option.

05/29/2025

Do you have questions about what an End Of Life Doula or Life Planning Services can do for you or your loved one? Contact me at 917-301-4320 or graceanddignity@gmail.com today.

05/24/2025

Playing around with ChatGPT. Ask a question, get an answer;

Educating people about death, dying, and advance care planning is a deeply important yet often overlooked aspect of public health and personal well-being. These conversations can help individuals make informed decisions, reduce stress for families, and ensure that end-of-life care aligns with personal values and preferences.

Here’s a structured approach to educating people about these topics:

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1. Why This Education Matters

Goals:
• Normalize conversations about death and dying.
• Encourage people to reflect on their values and preferences.
• Reduce fear, stigma, and misinformation.
• Empower people to make informed healthcare decisions.
• Ease the burden on families during times of crisis.

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Looking forward to my next Death Over Desserts.

If you would like to host/sponsor one, contact me at graceanddignityeol@gmail.com or 917-301-4320

04/21/2025

Talking about death and dying will not make it happen faster, and not talking about it won't slow things down.

Having the conversation allows you the opportunity to share what matters most to you when that time comes, whether or not you are declining from age or illness. Putting your plans in place will ensure that your wishes are honored.

~ Gabby

03/25/2025

Coming soon: Grace & Dignity End Of Life Services!! and Advanced Directive Planning.
If you have questions about services, please call/text 917-301-4320

12/14/2024

Life is fragile.
There is nothing more precious than love.

- Mary Davis, Every Day Spirit