“Palliative care is erroneously associated with the end of life and hospice but the strategic aging approach introduces the quality-of-life conversation sooner.”

– Dr. Kevin Haselhorst

The Path To Strategic Aging.

More than 40% of Americans live with one or more incurable chronic diseases. So much time and money are spent managing these incurable diseases with little attention being given to the patient’s quality of life. While many of these diseases are not necessarily fatal, they are life-limiting. Early palliative care reduces unnecessary hospital admissions and the use of health services and provides compassion to those with chronic illness.

ER physician Dr. Kevin Haselhorst asks, “if a disease can’t be cured, can the patient be cared for as an outpatient?”

Haselhorst, an emergency department physician and expert on advance care planning, has a proactive approach to medicine that is improving quality of life for patients and eliminating unnecessary treatment. His “Strategic Aging” approach is a way of talking with patients about thinking, saying and doing what’s in their best interest given the circumstances. He coaches patients to choose wisely by planning ahead and incorporating his 3-part directive:

• prioritize quality of life
• managing chronic illness
• appreciate palliative care

“Palliative care is erroneously associated with the end of life and hospice but the strategic aging approach introduces the quality-of-life conversation sooner…” says Haselhorst, who uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families. “Strategic Aging” offers improved patient satisfaction with their daily lives while reducing the consumption of health care dollars. This approach to care affirms life and intends to provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms neither hastening or postponing death.

Haselhorst tells patients, “I’m not talking about dying – I’m encouraging you to live fully outside of having any medical restrictions”. Strategic Aging empowers patients to have more control of their medical decisions. Rarely do patients and physician achieve a win-win with treating chronic illness but Haselhorst’s approach is celebrated by his coworkers and patients’ family members alike.

Haselhorst speaks to caregiver support groups, health care professionals, and spiritual communities about advance care planning and teaches physicians, nurses, paramedics, social workers and public health agencies about triaging patients in times to live {never quit} – to survive {lighten up} – and to die {rest easy}.

“Reducing the stress associated with medical tests and procedures offers more peace of mind to patients who prefer to leave well enough alone”. Because most physicians do not focus on holistic wellness, patients need to become better communicators of what’s important to them. Strategic aging is the platform from which this discussion can take place and it offers a series of checks and balances for making medical decisions. Haselhorst has learned how to cut through the emotional ordeal of life-and-death situations and can teach other physicians how to move compassion and wellness to the forefront of chronic illness management.

“Quality of life is more important than how long we live. Physicians must promote the idea that “less is more” equals compassion.”

– Dr. Kevin Haselhorst

In An Interview/Article, Dr. Haselhorst Can Share:

• Strategies to ensure compassion in health care
• Communication techniques for both patients and doctors
• Information for physicians, nurses, and caregivers about palliative care
• How strategic aging improves quality of life for patients
• What patients don’t know about having palliative care rights

Dr. Haselhorst is on a mission to teach physicians an alternate team approach to address the needs of patients and their families. He has information and advice on how this translates to real life.