Patient Education & Support

Classes and Support Groups

Advance Healthcare Directives Class

Currently on Hold. Learn the benefits of advance care planning and how to complete an Advance Healthcare Directive.

For more information, call (310) 784-4880.

Care Coordination Center - Advance Care Planning (One-on-One Counseling)

A Nurse Practitioner is available for personalized attention with advance care planning. The visit will focus on discussing your healthcare goals, learning how to communicate these goals to those important to you and completing the Advance Healthcare Directive form. Medicare covers the Advance Care Planning visit.

For more information, call (310) 784-8713.

Torrance Memorial Support Groups

Torrance Memorial offers various support groups and health and wellness classes for your needs.

Learn more about our Support Groups.

Cancer Support Community

Nationally recognized and locally based, the Cancer Support Community in Redondo Beach offers free cancer-related classes, support groups, events and counseling services to individuals and families coping with cancer.

Learn more at www.cscrb.org or call (310) 374-3426.

Beach Cities Health District

Residents of the beach cities can take advantage of the available physical, mental and social services offered by this great resources.

Learn more at www.bchd.org or call (310) 374-3426.

Helpful Links

Advance Care Planning

Prepare for Your Care

Offers a step-by-step program with video on advance care planning and completing an Advance Healthcare Directive. This site also has free materials and tools to help you get started.

www.PrepareForYourCare.org

California Advance Healthcare Directive

Advance Healthcare Directives come in different types or versions, but they are legal forms. Make sure that you completeone that is compliant with the state you live in. Here is one example:

California PREPARE Advance Directive

Coalition for Compassionate Care of California (CCCC)

From educational tools and resources to public policy, CCCC is a leader in advancing the philosophy of advance care planning and end of life care. Their website offers simple materials geared towards patients/families and providers while both sides navigate through difficult converstaions and health situations.

coalitionccc.org/tools-resources

5 Wishes

5 Wishes is another advance care planning tool that can help facilitate discussions and documenting your important healthcare choices.

fivewishes.org

POLST & Decision Aids

POLST for Patients & Loved Ones (Guide)

This link will lead you to a guide on further understanding what POLST is and why it is important.

capolst.org/polst-for-patients-loved-ones/

POLST Forms in Other Languages

Although the POLST form is available in different languages, an individual interested in completing this form must sign the final document in English version.

capolst.org

Decision Aids

Decisions Aids are tools created to simplify information for those making important decisions about life-sustaining treatments. It is always recommended to discuss your specific healthcare needs with your doctor.

coalitionccc.org/tools-resources/decision-aids/

End of Life Option Act (EOLOA)

The End of Life Option Act is a California law that allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication (if certain conditions are met). For more information, please visit the website below or talk to your doctor.

Key Facts About the End of Life Option Act for Patients & Families

Coping with Serious Illness

Help Guide

This website offers helpful information and guidance on how to cope with mental and social challenges.

www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-a-life-threatening-illness.htm

PsychHub

An educational platform for mental health, substance abuse and suicidal prevention topics. You can explore their short videos on YouTube under Psych Hub Education.

Self Care Resources

How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness (Book)

Children are sensitive to the changes in their surroundings and relationships which is why this book comes highly recommend by our Child Life Specialist. This book offers practical strategies on how to help children cope with a parent's serious illness. The strategies discussed in this book are based on the development stages and needs of the child which will makes it more meaningful and effective when supporting them in their coping.

How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness

Alzheimer's Association

Information and support for individuals and families coping with dementia. This website offers practical guides on how to deal with behavioral changes, getting treatment and how to cope and care for yourself as a caregiver. They also offer to connect individuals to local resources and support group. For more information, call their 24/7 hotline at (800) 272-3900.

https://www.alz.org/

Coping with Cancer

Oncolink

A cancer resource site that offers comprehensive information on coping with cancer, cancer treatments, cancer research advances, continuing education and many more.

www.oncolink.org/support/coping-with-cancer

American Cancer Society

This organization offers information on cancer types, early detection, treatment, education and research. American Cancer Society also offers resource referrals, support groups and transportation. For more information, call (800) 227-2345.

www.cancer.org

Caregiver Resource Guide

A comprehensive tool for people caring for someone with cancer.

Caring for a Loved One with Cancer

Helping Children When a Family Member has Cancer

An article on how to help children cope when a family member has cancer.

www.cancer.org/treatment/children-and-cancer/when-a-family-member-has-cancer.html

How to Be a Friend to Someone with Cancer

Cancer tests and changes relationships. It can be scary to some and others may not know how to talk about it, so they avoid the conversation altogether. Sometimes, things can get very awkward. This article explores how to help someone with cancer. Don't forget to check out the other articles as well.

www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/how-to-be-a-friend-to-someone-with-cancer.html

Mental Health

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. For help, call (800) 273-8255.

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

A national organization that connects individuals and families to local support and education on living with a mental health diagnosis.

www.nami.org

Urban Zen Integrative Therapy

A healing modality focused on the integration of yoga, Reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and contemplative care. The approach is specifically designed to treat symptoms of serious illness: PANIC™ (pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and constipation) and exhaustion.

uzit.urbanzen.org

For Providers

Center to Advance Palliative Care

Provides tools and training for clinicians caring for people with serious illness. CEUs are available.

www.capc.org

POLST Quick Reference for Physician

Provides POLST education and conversation tools for healthcare providers.

capolst.org/polst-for-patients-loved-ones/

Coalition for Compassionate Care of California

From educational tools and resources to public policy, CCCC is a leader in advancing the philosophy of advance care planning and end of life care. Their website offers simple materials and tools geared towards patients/families and providers while both sides navigate through difficult conversations and health situations. They also offer 24/7 online continuing education with CSU Institute of Palliative Care.

https://coalitionccc.org/