Our Client Support Program

(Formerly called “Caring Friends”)

Our Client Support Program is a program administered through our national office, which informs and advises members of Compassion & Choices on an individual basis about their options at the end of life, including hastening the dying process. The goal is to ensure that whenever possible, individuals facing the end of life can do so peacefully and with dignity.

When the required documents are received, a Client Support Program counselor contacts the applicant for an extensive interview. If the applicant is accepted, the counselor will assign a trained volunteer to work directly with the client in examining information relevant to the client’s end-of-life issues. Should the client decide to proceed, an experienced and trained volunteer will join the case to ensure that the client is acting under his or her own volition and without coercion.

Our Client Support Program has several areas of service. They provide information, counseling, and guidance about end-of-life choices and offer free assistance in obtaining and completing advance directives. The services of Our Client Support Program are available to Compassion & Choices members and to those who are not yet members.

We encourage requests for information and questions regarding all end-of-life issues. Through advance directives, we offer assistance in determining one’s wishes in regard to health care, instructions for documenting such wishes, and information for using such documents effectively. Specifically, we assist with the creation of a living will and medical durable power of attorney.

A living will is a document that outlines one’s wishes in regard to health care at the time one is terminally ill and can no longer speak for oneself. A Medical Durable Power of Attorney designates a surrogate (sometimes called an advocate or proxy) to act on one’s behalf, with directions for the surrogate to follow. The titles of these documents can vary by state.

Services:

• State-specific assistance on advance directives guidelines
• Examining completed directives for accuracy
• Providing guidance in how to use directives effectively
• Instructing surrogates on their responsibilities
• Maintaining copies of members’ advance directives

Additionally, we provide assistance on issues not directly related to choosing a hastened death, such as hospice care and resources to assist with mental health concerns.

Below is a recent article from the directors of our Client Support Program. Please read:

Our Client Support Program is starting strong. By combining and expanding Choices’ Caring Friends and Compassion’s Case Management Programs, we have created a comprehensive program of service and support to assist people at any point along their end-of-life journey.

The Client Support Program was designed by volunteers and staff from both original programs, starting with the question, “Why do people call us and what do they need?” In addressing this question, it quickly became evident what our program should be.

The Client Support Program provides services at no cost to anyone who contacts us, regardless of diagnosis or membership status. Information, support, counsel and referral are available to all callers. If we have local volunteers in a client’s community, the client may be connected with a nearby volunteer. If there are no local volunteers available, a staff counselor will work with the client by phone. Everyone who calls is served.

Client Support Program staff and volunteers are open to all types of questions. We offer referrals to local pain specialists, hospice programs, social service agencies and disease-specific support groups. We help people to complete their advance directives and talk to their loved ones and health care providers about their wishes. We advocate for people in nursing homes or who are receiving inadequate care.

We continue to serve those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and are interested in learning about hastened death. Those not yet in the terminal phase of their illness may receive information about stopping medical therapies, such as dialysis or medication, and forsaking food and water. Those who are terminally ill and are mentally capable may receive detailed information on other options such as the use of medications and helium. If requested, two trained Client Support representatives may be present when a client hastens death.

Last year our programs served more than 3,000 clients with direct support and presence. Now we have widened our scope and hope to reach even more. Members, local groups and the general public can reach us toll-free at 800-247-7421. Let us know what you need as you contemplate life’s end. Whether it is advocacy, information, counseling or specific, concrete help, you only need to pick up the phone.

Call us. We’re here to help.

Helen Beum
Julian Rush

Compassion & Choices members receive far more than advance directives forms. Our Client Support Program provides free individual counseling on completing and implementing your advance directives.