February 2020 – Use the 6 D’s to trigger follow-up conversations with a surrogate decision-maker and to update POLST and living will.

Review goals and documents

Decade: Every ten years (some advocate for annual review).

Diagnosis: When you develop a new serious illness.

Divorce: Assure the right person is advocating for you.

Death: When someone significant in your circle of support dies.

Decline: When you have changes in condition or illness progression.

Distance: When you or your decision-makers move to a new area or have a new care provider.

For more information contact Dr. Leslie Estep or Dr. Anita Meyer at Hospice of the Northwest,
360-814-5550, or lestep@hospicenw.org  or  ameyer@hospicenw.org