Medical Aid in Dying From a Hospice Social Worker Perspective, Episode 140

Medical Aid in Dying is a controversial topic. Hospice Social Worker Lisa Pahl shares what it’s like to support someone who’s utilizing Medical Aid in Dying. Hospice team members are often present when a patient chooses Medical Aid in Dying, or MAID.  Lisa’s experience has shown her how intense and intimate it can be to companion a patient and family during a MAID event.  Often the conversations about the death, and the details of how the patient wants it to happen, are enriched and deep.  Lisa shares that as a social worker, she finds her energy for supporting patients to be refilled rather than depleted.  Medical Aid in Dying is not legal in every state in the U.S.  It’s important that hospice and end of life workers are aware of what the laws are in the state where they work. Whether or not hospice professionals support a MAID law, they should be able to accurately inform patients and families, and provide education.  Connect with hospice social worker and Death Deck co-creator Lisa Pahl at thedeathdeck.com. Get your set of Death Deck cards here! Find more information on Medical Aid in Dying at Compassion and Choices. Find out if Medical Aid in Dying is legal in your state here.  Listen to the interview with Anita Hannig, author of How I Die: The Untold Story of Assisted Dying in America Epi. 114 by clicking here.  Connect with podcast host Helen Bauer at [email protected]. Find more information about hospice philosophy, end of life care, and self care for both personal and professional caregivers here.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak for your podcast, event, or conference by sending an email to [email protected].  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)