Resources

Visit these websites for community support and valuable information about Hospice and Palliative Care.

Department and Aging and Disability Services (DADS) http://www.dads.state.tx.us/services/hospice.html

Caring Connections (www.caringinfo.org or 1-800-658-8898) is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, providing extensive resources and support for patients and families who are coping with end-of-life issues.

State-Specific Advance Directives are available for free download at caringinfo.org/stateaddownload.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (www.nhpco.org) is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. It offers education and information for practitioners, patients and families.Through the NHPCO website, you can search for a hospice or palliative care program in your community. Use the “Find a Provider” search page at www.iweb.nhpco.org/iweb/Membership/MemberDirectorySearch.aspx.

We Honor Veterans , a program of NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs, is designed to empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans and their loved ones. Online resources help providers guide America’s veterans and their families through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending. WeHonorVeterans.org

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program is designed to improve the quality of care people receive at the end of life. It is based on effective communication of patient wishes and a promise by health care professionals to honor these wishes. Patient and family resources are available online at ohsu.edu/polst.

Aging with Dignity provides practical information, advice and legal tools on end of life and long-term care issues. www.agingwithdignity.org

Caring Bridge helps you stay connected with friends and family during an illness through a free, personalized website. www.caringbridge.org

Other Resources

211 Texas can provide information about local, state or federal services.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) — The ADRCs provide information about and help with state and federal benefits. They can also help you learn about local programs and services. Anyone — individuals, family members, friends or professionals — can receive information tailored to their needs.

Medicaid Estate Recovery Program — The state may file a claim against the estate of a deceased Medicaid recipient, age 55 and older, who applied for certain long-term care services on or after March 1, 2005. Claims include the cost of services, hospital care and prescription drugs supported by Medicaid under certain programs.

Searchable list of home health agencies lets you search for home health care in Texas by county, city, area code or ZIP code.

Yourtexasbenefits.com — This website offers you easy and secure online access to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) benefits including Medicaid, SNAP food benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and nursing home care and other services for people who are elderly or have disabilities.

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