Watching a loved one go through a challenging time in their lives is always emotional, but it can be even more so when you feel as though you're out of control of the outcome of their decisions. Informed consent is a legal term that refers to the requirement of medical professionals to obtain consent from an individual and to ensure that the person fully understands the gravity of their decision. This could include gaining the patient's consent before performing a specific medical procedure but can become more complicated when it is determined that an individual is no longer capable of personally making these decisions.

The diagnosis of a chronic illness can be devastating to a family, bringing on stages of grief and unimaginable pain. Hospice care is a specialized type of treatment for patients that are entering the final stages of their life and is generally reserved for individuals with less than 6 months to live. With a hospice plan in place, patients are able to have more control over the way their final months of life are spent -- often choosing to live at home to enjoy the time that they have left with friends and family.

Sante Healthcare of Scottsdale Arizona is spearheading an Urban Native American healthcare initiative in Maricopa County aimed at improving the quality of post-acute care for Native Americans.   Many Native Americans in Maricopa County struggle to access the critical post-acute care they need.  Santé’s healthcare initiative is an opportunity to close the healthcare gap in the Native American community in Maricopa County. The initiative will rely on collaborations and partnerships with healthcare providers and tribal community leaders to increase utilization and access to quality healthcare service.  Santé’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the urban Native American community starts with protecting and upholding the cultural and spiritual needs of the community while offering the care necessary for all post-acute needs.

Letting your loved ones know that you are thinking about them and care about their needs doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Instead, you can create a thoughtful hospice care kit that includes some of the everyday conveniences and comforts that they may not have easy access to while in hospice care.