Advance Directive

Prepare for the Future

While death is a natural part of life, many people find it hard to bring up end-of-life discussions with their loved ones and even their doctors. But it can save you and your family a lot of headaches and heartaches in the future.

We're proud to partner with The Conversation Project, a group that understands these conversations are both difficult and important. The project offers resources like the Conversation Starter Kit that breaks down the discussion process into four easy steps.

Support for End-of-Life Issues

If you've been diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, you may need help coping emotionally. Counseling helps many people. Anne Arundel Medical Center has professionals who are trained and experienced in helping people cope with end-of-life issues.

A support group can offer a chance to share your feelings and concerns with others who understand. Many people find comfort and answers through a support group.

If you're in crisis, call for help now. You can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available by dialing 9-8-8.

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency offers a Crisis Warmline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 410-768-5522. Other hotlines and resources are available for people facing all kinds of issues. 

Palliative Care or Hospice?

Many people don't understand the difference between palliative care and hospice. Hospice provides care and support for people who are very near the end of life, when recovery is no longer possible. Patients and their families can often benefit from hospice care at home or in a health care facility.

Palliative care is for anyone with a serious illness or condition, whether or not it's life threatening. It helps you cope with living with your condition, through pain control, medication management and other support. You can benefit from palliative care while you're being treated.