Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Don’t stop at the retirement plan. Consider end-of-life too.

By: Norene Mostkoff, President & CEO

A remarkable news story caught my attention: David Goodall, a 104-year-old scientist, is flying from Australia to Switzerland so that he can end his life. Every time I see a case like this it gives me pause.

Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me which side of the debate you are on—either taking your life is wrong or each person should have the right to die as they choose. I would prefer to change the focus of the discussion. We should be talking about why we fail to prepare and educate ourselves about end-of-life. Do we know the options? Are the right services and support available in our communities?

I often ask people, did they plan for the birth of their child, and did they plan for their retirement. Most people answer, of course they have a plan. They know which hospital they will go to for delivery. They know that they need to save for their retirement. But ask if they have an end-of-life plan and I either get blank stares or surprise that they would need one. Our physicians and our social services need to help each of us have a sound end-of-life plan that is right for us. In 2016, the federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), made a huge step to help make this plan happen when it authorized paying physicians to have these conversations with beneficiaries.

How to begin assessing your plan

When making an end-of-life plan I think it is important to think about the following:

  1. 1. When do I want comfort care?
  2. 2. Where do I want to live?
  3. 3. How will I get services I need?
  4. 4. What do I want in my advance directive?
  5. 5. Who will make decisions for me when I can no longer make my own decisions?

Too often, these decisions are made during a crisis. Make a plan now when you don’t need it and be sure to review it every year. If you know your options, you can make informed decisions.

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As we embrace 2025, join us with renewed commitment to help us provide compassionate healthcare and hospice services in the homes of thousands of our community members in need. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
#2025 #donate #GiveBack #youmatter #Impact

As we embrace 2025, join us with renewed commitment to help us provide compassionate healthcare and hospice services in the homes of thousands of our community members in need. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
#2025 #donate #GiveBack #youmatter #Impact
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As we embrace 2025, join us with renewed commitment to help us provide compassionate healthcare and hospice services, in the homes, of thousands of our community members in need. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
#2025 #donate #GiveBack #youmatter #impact

As we embrace 2025, join us with renewed commitment to help us provide compassionate healthcare and hospice services, in the homes, of thousands of our community members in need. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
#2025 #donate #GiveBack #youmatter #impact
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Last night was a night to remember as we gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Visiting Nurse Health System employees at the Annual Applause Employee Awards Dinner! 🌟
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to all our amazing employees who continue to drive our success. Here’s to another year of excellence and achievement! 🏆
#AnnualApplause #EmployeeAwards #TeamSuccess #CelebratingExcellence

Last night was a night to remember as we gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Visiting Nurse Health System employees at the Annual Applause Employee Awards Dinner! 🌟
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to all our amazing employees who continue to drive our success. Here’s to another year of excellence and achievement! 🏆
#AnnualApplause #EmployeeAwards #TeamSuccess #CelebratingExcellence
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Pets are family too, here at Visiting Nurse! Michelle’s life is filled with animal love, from playful dogs to daily visits with caregiver Dena and her furry friend Danny. 🐶💬🌟
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Pets are family too, here at Visiting Nurse! Michelle’s life is filled with animal love, from playful dogs to daily visits with caregiver Dena and her furry friend Danny. 🐶💬🌟
#petlovers #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a fervent advocate for equality and justice in all aspects of life, including access to healthcare. 
We honor this day of remembrance and action with his famous quote that highlights his views on the topic. 
#MLKDay #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a fervent advocate for equality and justice in all aspects of life, including access to healthcare.
We honor this day of remembrance and action with his famous quote that highlights his views on the topic.
#MLKDay #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
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Join us in celebrating the January Visiting Nurse Health System Employee of the Month! Thank you for all you do, Dwana! #stellar #employee #celebrate

Join us in celebrating the January Visiting Nurse Health System Employee of the Month! Thank you for all you do, Dwana! #stellar #employee #celebrate ...

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Happy New year from all of us at Visiting Nurse Health System!

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Happy New year from all of us at Visiting Nurse Health System!

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Thank You, Trella Health Team!
A heartfelt thank you to the Trella Health employees for choosing Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta for your generous gifts-in-kind for our patients in need at this year's 2024 Kindness Drive event! 🌟 
Your dedication to the healthcare industry and compassion for giving back makes a positive imprint on the lives of our patients, bringing smiles and comfort to those in need. Together, we're making a positive difference in our community. Keep shining your light in healthcare! 💙 #KindnessDrive #TrellaHealth #CommunityCare #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Thank You, Trella Health Team!
A heartfelt thank you to the Trella Health employees for choosing Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta for your generous gifts-in-kind for our patients in need at this year`s 2024 Kindness Drive event! 🌟
Your dedication to the healthcare industry and compassion for giving back makes a positive imprint on the lives of our patients, bringing smiles and comfort to those in need. Together, we`re making a positive difference in our community. Keep shining your light in healthcare! 💙 #KindnessDrive #TrellaHealth #CommunityCare #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
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