As the advance care plan agent for both my elderly parents, I learned the advantage of being proactive rather than reactive.
I created the Caring End system to solve a problem I was having in my family medicine practice: I was not helping my patients prepare the advanced care plans that they needed.
I wanted a practical way to incorporate end-of-life care planning in my daily workflow.
Frustrated by too much to do, not enough time, my personal practice style, and scheduling challenges, I fell short of my expectations.
I believed, after all, that providing quality comprehensive primary care meant helping my patients maximize wellness in their present, and prepare for a good end -- a "soft landing" -- at their dying in the future.
I began exploring ways to achieve this goal within my typical primary care physician's schedule.
As I put into practice what I learned, I regained a sense of mastery, professional satisfaction and ability to connect with my patients that were so important to me.
I sincerely believe you can too.