End-of-life care for those with developmental disabilities is topic

Note: Media coverage of both events is invited. UHS contact at the events is Kris Marks, UHS Administrative Director of Palliative Care.

UHS Palliative Medicine and Care Compass Network will offer free presentations on end-of-life issues for family members and professional caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

The two presentations will be offered this month in the Greater Binghamton area.

An advance planning evening for families will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Ballroom at Traditions at the Glen, 4101 Watson Blvd., Johnson City.

This seminar is geared for those with loves ones with a developmental disability. Experts will discuss palliative care, the legal process connected with end-of-life issues, and related topics.

Speakers will also discuss the decision-making process for life-sustaining treatments such as CPR, mechanical ventilation or feeding tubes in patients with developmental disabilities.

A second seminar designed for those who care for people with developmental disabilities, including direct caregivers and administrative staff, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the Silo Restaurant, 203 Moran Road, Greene.

Speakers will discuss how to competently and compassionately guide families through the end-of-life planning process.

Speakers for both events will be:

 Philip Dzwonczyk, MD, medical director of UHS Palliative Medicine
 Katie Orem, MPH, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Geriatrics and Palliative Care program manager and Electronic Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (eMOLST) administrator
 Laura Bevacqua, Mental Hygiene Legal Services principal attorney
 Laura Monthie, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Surrogate Decision-Making Committee program director

Said Dr. Dzwonczyk: “This is a complex and time-consuming process, and understanding the decisions that should be made early – ideally in the outpatient care setting – is essential.”

More information is available by calling UHS Palliative Care at 763-5098.

UHS is a locally owned, not-for-profit hospital and healthcare system serving Greater Binghamton and surrounding counties. Founded in 1981, UHS provides a full range of medical, surgical, rehabilitative and long-term care services throughout New York’s Southern Tier. 

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