Resources
Below are resources on the Web involved with end-of-life care and related issues.
Hospice
Caring Connections:
www.caringinfo.org
Phone: 1-800-658-8898
New consumer focused web site of NHPCO. Information is available on a number of end-of-life issues including: Hospice and palliative care information, advance care planning, advance directives, and living wills, caregiving, pain, grief and financial planning.
Hospice Foundation of America
http://www.hospicefoundation.org/
Phone: 1-800-854-3402
A not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care with the goal of enhancing the American health care system and the role of hospice within it. The foundation assists those who cope personally or professionally with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief and bereavement.
The Hospice Organization and Palliative Experts (HOPE) of Wisconsin:
Phone 1-800-210-0220
Represents the licensed hospices in Wisconsin. Its mission is to provide education, legislative influence, and partnership opportunities to all individuals and organizations in Wisconsin who influence the quality of end of life decisions and care to strengthen the provision of hospice and palliative care. Includes information about hospice programs and advance directives. Site also contains an alphabetical listing of hospices by city in Wisconsin and how to contact the hospice.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO):
www.nhpco.org
Phone: 1-800-658-8898
Oldest and largest nonprofit public benefit organization that represents hospice and palliative care programs. NHPCO is committed to improving the end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care. Helpful informational brochures are available including:
- Consumers Guide to Selecting a Hospice
- Consumers Guide to the Medicare Hospice Benefit
- Consumers Guide to Communicating End-of-Life Wishes
Family Care Givers
National Family Caregivers Association:
www.thefamilycaregiver.org
Phone: 1-800-896-3650
Supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for caregivers. Addresses common needs and concerns of all caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance:
www.caregiver.org
Phone: 1-800-445-8106
Seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, service, research and advocacy.
Spirituality
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education:
www.acpe.edu
Phone: 404-320-1472
Professional organization representing many different faith and cultural traditions. Committed to advancing theological education in any setting where ministry is being practiced.
American Association of Pastoral Counselors:
www.aapc.org
Phone: 703-385-6967
Provides theological, spiritual, ethical, and clinical counseling. Also provides information on locating a clinical counselor near you.
George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health:
www.gwish.org
Phone:
202-994-6220
University based organization working to provide a more compassionate system of health care. Focus is on educational and clinical issues related to spirituality and health. Founder and director is Christina M. Puchalski, MD. Dr. Puchalski has published on spirituality and health care in journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, Journal of Palliative Medicine, and Clinics in geriatric Medicine.
National Association of Catholic Chaplains:
www.nacc.org
Professional organization for certified chaplains ad clinical pastoral educators who participate in the healing mission of Jesus Christ. Provides standards, advocacy, education, and professional development.
National Association of Jewish Chaplains:
www.najc.org
Phone: 973-736-9193