For questions, contact Senior Information & Assistance at 707-468-5132 (or 1-800-510-2020 within Lake and Mendocino Counties) or email us at IASpecialist@ccmc1.org.
	Home > Table of Contents > End-of-Life End-of-Life Resources AARP Grief & Loss Information on end-of-life issues. See www.aarp.org/relationships/grief-loss/ Bereavement See the agencies listed under "Hospice" for ongoing support groups. MedCure 866-560-2525 National whole body donation program serving as a link between donors and medical researchers and educators. Arranges services at no cost, including transportation, cremation, and return of cremated remains to family or a scattering at sea. See www.medcure.org. Public Administrator The Public Administrator handles the affairs of individuals who die without family to administer their estates. Lake County 16170 Main St., PO Box 9000, Lower Lake 707-995-4680 Mendocino County 747 S. State St., PO Box 839, Ukiah 707-468-7056 Hospice Hospice provides services to those with a terminal illness as well as their loved ones. The focus of traditional hospice care is on comfort rather than cure. Depending on the particular hospice, services may include skilled nursing, pain/symptom management, health aides, personal care assistants, social workers, patient/family education, assistance by volunteers, and spiritual/bereavement counseling in individual or support group settings. Some, but not all, hospices also have programs to support those with life-limiting chronic illness not eligible or appropriate for traditional hospice. Adventist Health Home Care & Phoenix Hospice 100 San Hedrin Cir., Willits 800-606-9596 or 707-459-1818 Provides hospice services for those with a prognosis of six months or less. See www.adventisthealth.org/homecare/pages/locations/mendocino.aspx. Hospice of Ukiah 620 S. Dora St., Ste. 101, Ukiah 707-462-4038 Provides free end-of-life care for those with a terminal diagnosis and declining health. Palliative care for those with long-term debilitating illnesses. See www.hospiceofukiah.com. Hospice Services of Lake County 1862 Parallel Dr., Lakeport 800-900-8820 or 707-263-6222 Provides hospice services for those with a prognosis of six months or less. Palliative care program -- for adults who have Partnership HealthPlan as a primary insurance and a life expectancy of approximately one year -- provides relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness even while pursuing curative care. See www.lakecountyhospice.org. Mendocino Coast Hospice 700 River Dr., Fort Bragg 707-961-4617 Hospice coordinator provides information and support. Volunteers provide patient and caregiver support. Program may also provide access to funds to help pay for comfort items and caregiver assistance. See www.mcdh.org. Redwood Coast Medical Services ~ Shamli Hospice Program~ PO Box 1100, Gualala 707-884-4005 or 707-412-6018 Provides specialized care to those who are terminally ill or dying and support for home-bound patients, their families and caregivers. All nursing and volunteer services are offered completely free of charge. See www.rcms-healthcare.org. Widow/Widower Checklist _ Gather together important documents such as your spouse’s social security number, death certificate (you will need copies which you can obtain from your funeral director) and any related estate forms (wills, trusts, etc.) _ Get statements and pay bills and taxes owed as soon as possible. _ If your spouse received social security, notify Social Security of the death since these benefits must stop. Ask about your eligibility for survivors or other benefits and any adjustments to your social security check, if applicable. _ Notify spouse’s employer and check on benefits which may be due you. _ If your spouse was a Veteran, check with the Veteran’s Administration; you may be eligible for help with funeral, burial plat, or other benefits. _ Notify banks, credit unions, mortgage company, and pension providers. _ Check for benefits as some accounts provide life insurance/death benefits. _ Change beneficiary on your life insurance. _ Contact Medicare and other health insurance providers, (i.e. Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) to cancel the policy to stop premiums. _ Transfer automobile title into your name and change name on automobile insurance policy. Ask about reduction in premium. _ Contact credit and merchant card companies to cancel or change account name. Check on credit life insurance that may have been carried on debts and may be covered by insurance. _ Transfer real estate title of jointly held property. This does not always require probate. If needed, contact attorney within 30 days following death. _ Check with fraternal and other organizations (professional associations, health clubs, automobile clubs, etc.). Benefits may be due to you. _ Draw up or update your own will. Check with your funeral director to see if he/she can assist you with any of the above items.