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Our Advanced Illness Management (AIM) program is designed to help patients and their families maximize physical, emotional and spiritual quality of life and ensure their wishes for their health care are honored.

Have you had the talk?

It’s not fun to talk about health care choices at the end of life, but the talk can help you know your loved one's wishes before you have to make a difficult decision. Dr. Laura Mavity, clinical director of St. Charles’ Advanced Illness Management program, teaches you how to start a conversation and why it matters.

How can our Advanced Illness Management (AIM) Program help you?

Working closely with your attending physician, our program provides:

  • Expert treatment of pain and discomfort
  • Close communication and compassionate care
  • Help in navigating the health care system
  • Guidance with difficult treatment choices
  • Communication of your treatment goals and choices to your health care team
  • Home care coordination and referral to community organizations
  • Emotional and spiritual support
  • Comfort care

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach that provides patient-centered care for those with serious illnesses, relying on input from doctors, nurses, chaplains, social services and other allied health professionals.

Is palliative care the same as hospice care?

No. Hospice care is meant specifically for those approaching the last stages of life. Palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a serious illness.

When is the right time for palliative care?

Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of a serious illness. It is best introduced early in your care and can be provided at the same time as curative treatments.

How can I receive support from the AIM program?

For an AIM consultation, please ask your attending physician to place a referral to our program.

What can I expect from the AIM Program?

  • Relief from distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping
  • A better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care
  • Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
  • Expert coordination of your care with all members of your care team
  • Detailed planning to ensure your medical care after your discharge from the hospital meets your goals and needs

Advance Directive

At St. Charles Health System, we work hard every day to provide the highest quality health care to the communities we serve. And our caregivers will always respect your wishes and goals for your treatment. Experts recommend that every person over the age of 18 have an Advance Directive – a legal document that details your health care preferences if you are unable to speak for yourself. Studies show completing an Advance Directive can greatly reduce stress on your loved ones by informing them of your wishes.

Below is a button to the Oregon Advance Directive. There are two parts:

  • In the first part, you can indicate who you want to make decisions for you if you are unable to speak for yourself.
  • In the second part, you can let St. Charles know what kind of medical care you want in critical situations.

You can complete either part, or both. We encourage you to talk with your loved ones and your health care providers about your wishes, then review and complete both parts of an Advance Directive.

After you complete the form, it is important that you provide a copy to St. Charles. One of your care team members would be happy to make a copy for you to ensure it’s added to your medical record. If you have questions, we have trained professionals who can help you.

Thank you for considering completing an Advance Directive and ensuring your wishes are known to both health care workers and your loved ones. We're honored to care for you.

Oregon Advance Directive Form

Formulario de directiva anticipada de Oregon