Sunset Advanced Directives and Patient Advocacy

01/08/2024

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

12/16/2023

COVID Home Tests | USPS

12/02/2023

Coping with personal illness or that of a loved one can be particularly challenging during the holidays. This article has some great ideas I wanted to pass along. As always, let me know if I can be of assistance during these sometimes difficult conversations.

With peace and love,
Christine

A version of this story, focused on patients with a cancer diagnosis, was originally published on VCU Massey Cancer Center’s News Center. It has since been updated to include more patients living with chronic illnesses.  By Annie Harris  The holidays are a time of hope and tradition:...

11/11/2023

$25 special for veterans during the month of November. This includes a conversation about end of life planning as well as preparation of Advanced Directives and DNR.

11/11/2023

Join our next Grief 101 support group on either Nov. 16 at the Monarch Center or Nov. 21 at the Elliott Center from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm. Learn about the grieving process and take home suggestions to help you cope, RSVP: (352) 873-7456.

11/01/2023

Are you having difficulty talking with your physicians? Do you feel like your needs are being ignored when you visit the doctor? Have questions regarding disease diagnosis, treatment and progression? I can help interpret results and guide you in the direction you need for these answers. I am a registered nurse, licensed and insured and can come to your home. Message or call for a free consultation.

10/18/2023

$25 introductory special for the entire month of November. This includes education regarding advanced directives and preparation of your living will. Also included is discussion and preparation of a do not resuscitate order if desired. You can reach me at 352-209-4841 or message me here to book your appointment. Thanks for reading!

10/17/2023

kicks off October 20th at the Ocala Drive In. This is a FREE family event and gates will open at 5:30pm. Before the movies begin we will have FREE swag bags, son cones, bounce houses, and more! You do not have to register but make sure you get there early to participate in all the pre show activities.

10/16/2023

In my 9 years as a Hospice admissions nurse, the question regarding differences between Hospice vs Palliative Care came up frequently while meeting with patients and their families. Hospice and Palliative care are related but distinct approaches to providing care for patients with serious illnesses, and the main differences lie in their goals, eligibility criteria, and timing:

1. Goals:
- Hospice Care: The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. It focuses on improving the quality of life for these patients and their families by managing pain and addressing their emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
- Palliative Care: Palliative care is designed to provide relief from the symptoms and suffering associated with serious illnesses at any stage, not just in the terminal phase. The goal is to improve the patient's overall quality of life while they continue to receive treatment for their illness.

2. Eligibility:
- Hospice Care: Typically, patients are eligible for hospice care when they have a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by a healthcare provider.
- Palliative Care: There are no specific time constraints on when a patient can receive palliative care. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and at any stage of a serious illness.

3. Treatment Focus:
- Hospice Care: Hospice care often involves discontinuing curative treatments and focusing solely on comfort care, pain management, and symptom control.
- Palliative Care: Palliative care is provided alongside curative treatments and aims to manage symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life while they continue to receive treatment for their illness.

4. Location:
- Hospice Care: Hospice care is usually provided in the patient's home or a hospice facility, offering a more home-like environment.
- Palliative Care: Palliative care can be delivered in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, or the patient's home, depending on their needs.

It's important to note that palliative care can be a component of hospice care, but it is also offered as a standalone service to patients with serious illnesses who may not be in the terminal phase. The choice between hospice and palliative care depends on the patient's specific needs and the stage of their illness.

10/15/2023

One of the many services I provide is independent patient advocacy. Having a private patient advocate can be important for several reasons:

1. **Protecting Patient Rights:** An advocate can ensure that a patient's rights and preferences are respected in the healthcare system, especially if the patient is unable to communicate their wishes.

2. **Navigating Complex Healthcare:** Healthcare systems can be complex, and advocates can help patients and their families understand medical jargon, treatment options, and make informed decisions.

3. **Quality of Care:** Advocates can monitor and advocate for high-quality care, helping prevent medical errors, misdiagnoses, or unnecessary treatments.

4. **Communication:** They bridge the communication gap between healthcare providers, patients, and families, ensuring clear and effective communication.

5. **Emotional Support:** Advocates offer emotional support during challenging medical situations, reducing stress and anxiety.

6. **Patient Empowerment:** Advocates empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, treatment options, and end-of-life care.

7. **Conflict Resolution:** They can help resolve disputes or conflicts between patients, families, and healthcare providers, improving the overall patient experience.

8. **Continuity of Care:** Advocates can assist in coordinating care among different healthcare providers and settings, ensuring continuity and comprehensive treatment.

9. **Privacy and Confidentiality:** Advocates can help protect a patient's privacy and ensure that personal health information is kept confidential.

10. **Safeguarding Interests:** In cases where financial or insurance matters are involved, advocates can help protect a patient's financial interests.

Private patient advocates can be particularly valuable when dealing with complex or serious medical conditions, as they provide a dedicated and knowledgeable support system focused on the patient's best interests.

10/10/2023

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Find out about this year's World Mental Health Day campaign (10 October) and how you can get involved.

10/07/2023

"The more you know"

Advanced directives are crucial legal documents that allow individuals to express their healthcare preferences and decisions in advance, especially if they become unable to communicate or make decisions later in life due to illness or injury. Here's why they are important:

1. Autonomy and Control: Advanced directives empower individuals to make decisions about their own medical care. They ensure that your preferences and values are respected, even if you can't voice them at the time.

2. Alleviating Family Burden: They relieve family members and loved ones from the difficult burden of making critical healthcare choices on your behalf without clear guidance.

3. Quality of Care: Advanced directives help ensure that you receive the medical treatments you want and avoid those you don't, thus improving the quality of your care.

4. Reducing Conflict: They can reduce potential conflicts among family members or healthcare providers by providing clear instructions on your wishes.

5. Emergency Situations: In emergencies, advanced directives can guide medical professionals in making timely decisions that align with your values and preferences.

6. End-of-Life Care: They are particularly important in end-of-life situations, as they can specify whether you want life-prolonging measures or prefer comfort-focused care.

7. Peace of Mind: Having advanced directives in place can give you peace of mind, knowing that your medical decisions are in line with your beliefs and preferences.

This is an important service I will be offering to residents of Marion County. I will come to your home and educate on the importance of these documents as well as preparing yours for you. Call or message me for my introductory special.

10/05/2023

Did you know Marion County has an extensive resource guide when looking for assistance or answers? This includes a phone list to many local agencies who offer help in times of need. Check out the link below

Marion County Offices Quick Reference Phone Guide Abuse & Prevention Advocacy/Outreach/Referral Assistance Clothing Financial Food & Nutrition Utility Camps Child Care After School Care & Summer Programs Finding Care Chiropractic Community Service Groups & Organizations Counseling & Consultation Ser...

10/04/2023

Good morning and thank you for visiting my new page! My name is Christine Brown and I am a registered nurse who has spent the last 9 years working as a hospice admissions RN. I left the field to help my husband achieve his dream of owning a retail shop but now I am ready to venture out and do something for which I have great passion. I'm going to focus on providing education on the importance of having advanced directives such as living will, healthcare surrogate and DNR forms completed before they become necessary. I hope to move into more hands-on care including pill box set up, accompanying clients to physician and lawyer visits, companionship, education and much more. I have invited some of my friends who have been encouraging me to pursue this dream to like my page. I'm in the early stages and will be fully insured and operational on Monday October 9th. Thank you for following along and I hope you'll keep me in mind when meeting people who may need these services ❤️

10/04/2023

Join our next Transitions Caregiver Support Group on Oct. 10 & 24 in the Elliott Center, 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Bring your own lunch; coffee and dessert are on us. RSVP: (352) 854-5200

10/03/2023

When the unexpected happens, HCA Florida Silver Springs Emergency, a Part of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, is here for you. We are now open!