In the beginning

MDDS is able to walk patients and families through the Michigan Advanced Care Directive process. This important step allows you to make sure that people close to you and people who provide health care for you know what types of decisions you would make for yourself.

  • Review what having an advanced directive and durable power of attorney mean for you and your health decisions.

  • Selecting a power of attorney

  • Michigan Physician Orders of Scope of Treatment (MI-POST)

  • Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR)

  • Allow Natural Death Orders (AND)

  • Organ Donation

  • Body Donation

*MDDS prefers to utilize the Michigan Medicine | University of Michigan Advanced Directive Toolkit. Other forms/toolkits are available and may be selected based on patient preference.

In the final stages

MDDS is able to provide grief support to families and friends as well as the patient. Grief is a personal experience and looks different to each person. Emotions like sorrow, anger, and confusion can vary widely. We want to help you feel and process those emotions as you work through them. This may take the form of:

  • Life Celebrations / Memorial Projects

  • Provide / Guide discussions tailored for children on the dying process

  • Provide Pet Relief in the form of re-homing or providing temporary care

  • Grief Discussions

We leave the funeral planning to the professionals, but we offer our time and resources highlighting traditional funeral arrangements as well as green funeral/burial options. Green funerals/burials are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional funeral planning.

*MDDS is not a licensed therapist.