Older adults are at risk for poor health and functional outcomes because of the challenges they face. They often have multiple chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis that require complex care coordination to manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
The Coalition seeks to improve the quality of life for older Californians by promoting evidence-based practices in medical homes (including palliative care) through education, training, technical assistance (TA), advocacy, research, and evaluation activities.
The Coalition works with its members to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of an aging population including improving patient safety; reducing hospital readmissions; decreasing emergency department use; increasing access to primary care services; improving medication management; implementing a program that helps providers deliver high-quality end-of-life care while saving money on unnecessary tests or procedures called Choosing Wisely®; and addressing disparities in healthcare delivery for low-income seniors who do not qualify for Medi-Cal but cannot afford insurance.
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Timestamps:
[00:00]
Pre-Intro remarks from Judy Thomas
[01:37]
Introduction to Judy Thomas
[02:15]
What are some things an average person can do to stay in control of their healthcare during the pandemic?
[03:03]
Who could consider completing an advanced directive?
[03:37]
In your state, it’s called an advanced directive. What state is that?
[03:55]
What are the benefits of completing an advanced directive?
[04:27]
What things should one keep in mind when filling out an advanced directive?
[05:22]
Walk us through POLST, P O L S T what does it stand for? What does it mean? And the importance of it?
[07:08]
For those of us that are not familiar with it, would you give a quick overview what palliative care and preparation, what we need to do for that?
[10:39]
What is so important about looking at patients holistically?
[11:51]
How does palliative care also involve the patient’s caregiver?
[13:05]
Where is palliative care provided? And is it usually in a hospital setting?
[14:35]
Can you just give a distinction between palliative care and hospice?
[15:52]
How far in advance should people begin planning and thinking through their care options?
[21:24]
What made you make the shift from law to focusing on the Coalition’s collaborative work?
[22:42]
How did your career in law prepare you? Not only the education or the degree but also your passion and your drive, for this current role?
[23:59]
What do you think is your biggest strength that enables you to have a unique, impactful effect on your clients?
[24:42]
Where can people go to get more information on compassionate care and palliative care?
[25:10]
Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
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Bio:
Judy Thomas
CEO of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, a statewide partnership of healthcare providers, non-profit organizations and associations, state agencies, and individuals working to ensure all seriously ill Californians receive quality, compassionate care.
The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California brings together multiple organizations, often with divergent interests, to develop, implement, and promote improved health care practices and standards across the continuum of care. The California coalition also has a national impact on transforming the culture of care for people who are seriously ill through advancing the cause of palliative care in America.
Learn about Judy on LinkedIn.
