Hospice of Northwest Michigan has received a $3,000 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund for the “File of Life” program.
The “File of Life” is a transparent red folder filled with important medical information that you complete in advance. The “File of Life” includes a Health Information Form that details personal information, such as physician and emergency contact telephone numbers, insurance policies, medical conditions, and recent hospitalizations; Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form; Medication List; and “Five Wishes” end-of-life planning document.
Emergency personnel know to look for a “File of Life” mounted on your refrigerator with Velcro or magnets when they see a sticker on your front door. Then, if there’s an emergency where you are unable to communicate, EMS will know your wishes for treatment.
“We’re very grateful to the People Fund for supporting the ‘File of Life’,” said Cheri Hoffman, Executive Director for Hospice of Northwest Michigan, which provides comprehensive hospice services in partnership with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “The ‘File of Life’ gives people peace of mind, especially people who have a debilitating condition.”
Hospice will be distributing the “Files of Life” at no charge. “We are eager to get the ‘File of Life’ to people who are at risk of a medical emergency,” Hoffman said. “It’s also available to anyone interested in planning ahead for a time when they may not be able to communicate their wishes.”
