The patient's daughter called about her 96-year-old mother, whose health had declined rapidly over the last few days. The patient refused an evaluation in the ER. She also made wishes known that she wanted to stay at home and be a DNR patient. The patient's chart was quickly reviewed. No DNR form and no Statement of Incapacity were in the patient's file. The patient would also need to be seen for a face-to-face office visit, and a referral to HHC/Hospice. Rachel quickly arranged the following: a joint visit with her PCP and myself for that afternoon as well as completing the patient's DNR form. Rachel arranged for Dr. Beine and Dr. Dellaria to stop in to evaluate her and complete the Statement of Incapacity form. A hospice referral was made. Calumet County was able to get her admitted to services the next day. 

In Rachel's words, "I just wanted to make sure this patient and family got what they needed quickly, so the patient could die peacefully at home, without all the lights, sirens, ambulances, police officers, coroner visits, etc., per all the patient's wishes. The patient and her daughters were able to share their acknowledgment of and desires, for the end of life, and share some tears and hugs. With my strong love for Hospice and end-of-life care, I have always had a strong desire to make this process "easy" for patients and caregivers."