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End of Life Choices New York serves New Yorkers and their families who may be facing end of life decisions, or who may simply wish to plan ahead.

We respond to all New Yorkers who contact us with questions about their end of life concerns. We offer information and support, either in person or by phone, about a wide range of end of life issues. We provide:

• Information about pain specialists, home hospice programs, social service agencies, disease-specific support groups and other resources
• Assistance to clients in completing advance directives, such as New York State Health Care Proxies
• Guidance about the appropriateness of advance directives such as Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Orders, or Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) forms
• Assistance to clients in talking openly and honestly with families, friends and health care providers about health care wishes
• Advocacy for patients whose end of life wishes are not being honored
• Advocacy for patients who may not be getting optimum pain or other symptom management
• For clients who are terminally ill, decisionally capable and suffering, who request such information, we may discuss effective options that permit patient control of the circumstance and timing of death

Here are a few of the many comments we have received about Judith from those who have used her services:

“Your help has been immeasurable. You are a treasured gift, Ms Schwarz...your coaching was equally stabilizing in getting me, her family, and most importantly, my friend, through this. I cannot imagine navigating this without you. Lucky, indeed, are those who have received and will receive your loving care.  I join countless others who have benefitted directly and indirectly from you.”

“Judy was so helpful to me, my mother and my family relative to my Mom’s terminal illness and end of life issues. She provided invaluable advice and afforded us tremendous guidance, compassion and at the end of the day…she became a very caring friend. I am personally so grateful to Judy and your organization for the support and services you gave our family through Judy.”

“Thank you very much for your help in a time of great crisis…We’d especially like to thank Judith Schwarz for her exceptionally poised and perceptive interventions; she was of great comfort to us in a time of need.”

“My friend passed Sunday morning. Her passing was pain-free, very gentle and peaceful thanks in large measure to your expert medical and emotional support.”

We respond to all inquiries from those who contact us with questions about their end of life concerns. Judith helps clients talk openly and honestly with family members, friends, and health care providers about health care wishes, and she advocates for patients whose end of life wishes aren’t being honored. She also advocates for patients who may not be getting optimum pain or other symptom management. She can explain the pros and cons of various options so that the client can make an informed decision about them.