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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 20th, 2005 Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w) 212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 ***PRESS
RELEASE*** State Senator Liz Krueger Urges Constituents to Make End of Life Decisions Clear by Completing Health Care Proxy and Living Will Encourages New Yorkers to Learn About Hospice and Palliative Care New York, NY – "The disturbing actions by some
in government and protest groups inappropriately involving
themselves in the recent tragic saga of Terri Schiavo and
her family should serve as a lesson for us all to take the time to think
carefully about our own wishes,” said State Senator Liz Krueger
(D-Manhattan). Senator Krueger urged
her constituents to ensure that their health care wishes are respected by
filling out a health care proxy and/or a living will. “None of us wants to imagine the
worst happening to ourselves or our loved ones. The Schiavo case is but
the latest example of why it is so critical that we formalize our wishes
in written format and make sure that our family members know what decisions we
would have made for ourselves had we been able. No one should ever have to be put through a media-circus-battle
when trying to make decisions in the best interests of a terminally ill
family member,” stated Senator Krueger. Senator Krueger explained that using a health care proxy gives the
person you choose as your agent the legal authority to make all health care
decisions for you, in the event that you are unable to communicate those
decisions yourself. A living will is a legal document that sets forth your
specific wishes and directions regarding medical treatment. Both documents have allow for special
instructions, and must be signed by two witnesses who are at least 18 years
of age. Senator Krueger also indicated that while it may be hard to think about
end of life decisions, those who are knowledgeable benefit themselves and
their families. Specifically, Senator
Krueger encouraged constituents to become informed about hospice and
palliative care. A central
focus of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has
the right to die pain-free and with dignity.
Hospice programs
focus on caring, not curing, and, in most cases, care is provided in the
patient's home. Palliative care on the other hand, extends the principles of
hospice care to a broader population that could benefit from receiving this
type of care earlier in their illness or disease process. Palliative care,
ideally, would segue into hospice care as the illness progresses. “Hospice and palliative
care share the philosophy of care that accepts dying as a natural part
of life,” said Senator Krueger.
“New Yorkers should at the very least be aware of their options.” “If any good can come out
this tragedy that drew the attention of the nation, it is that we
can make our wishes about the end of our lives clear and known, and avoid the
legal battles that destroy the bonds of families,” concluded Senator
Krueger. For more information, or to
obtain a copy of a living will or a health care proxy recognized under New
York State law, interested individuals may call Senator Krueger’s office at
(212) 490-9535. -30- |
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