Supporting Clients in End-of-Life: What Social Workers should know about MAID and VSED & Skill Development in End-of-Life Care

The NASW policy, Client Self-Determination in End-of-Life Decisions, states “Social workers have an important role in helping individuals identify the end-of-life options available to them. A key value for social workers is client self-determination. Competent individuals should have the opportunity to make their own choices, but only after being informed of all options and consequences... without coercion” (NASW, 2003).

This workshop will introduce two end-of-life options available in Washington state, but not commonly understood. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) was made legal in Washington over 12 years ago through the Death with Dignity (DwD) Act and is available to individuals in Washington with 6 months or less life expectancy due to terminal illness. Voluntary Stopping Eating & Drinking (VSED) is an end-of-life option for individuals in facing imminent decline and suffering who may not qualify for MAID/DwD.

Due to advances in medical technology, rising rates of chronic illness, increasing numbers of elderly and longer life spans, there is a need for social workers in all fields, and particularly those who work in healthcare, with aging adults and geriatric populations, to understand these end-of-life options.

About the Presenters: Arline Hinckley and Rachel Haxtema, MA/MDiv

About the presenters: 

Arline Hinckley grew up in Seattle and earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington.

She has long had an interest in the areas of personal freedom, social justice, choice and end-of-life issues. She was a Public Health Social Worker for high risk pregnant women and infants in Seattle. She also worked with the hematology/oncology team at the University of Missouri Medical Center where her duties included instructing medical students in the needs of dying patients and their families. She has volunteered with a local hospice and has been a long-time board member and Volunteer Client Advisor (VCA) with End of Life Washington

Rachel Haxtema is the Community Outreach Coordinator for End of Life Washington. Her education is in Ethics and Religion and she has several years of experience in advocacy, community organizing and education in non-profits, faith communities and higher education. She is excited to help more people understand end-of-life options and provide engaging learning experiences for community members and professionals.