Helping people navigate Medical Aid in Dying
in Vermont
No one should have to navigate this process alone.
What is Medical Aid in Dying?
Medical Aid in Dying is an end-of-life option available to certain terminally ill adults who meet specific eligibility requirements. It allows an eligible person to request a prescription for medication that they may choose to take to hasten a peaceful death at a time of their choosing. The decision remains with the individual throughout the process: they must be able to make the request for themselves, and receiving the medication does not obligate them to take it. In Vermont, medical aid in dying is authorized under the state’s Patient Choice at End of Life Law (Act 39) and is available to eligible Vermont residents as well as people who travel to Vermont from other states.
To understand more about the law in Vermont and eligibility, please visit Patient Choices Vermont.
Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) provides information and education on medical aid in dying and other end-of-life options in Vermont. Helpline volunteers support individuals and families considering medical aid in dying by providing comprehensive, personalized information to help people decide if medical aid in dying is an option they want to pursue. PCV's website offers detailed information on medical aid in dying and other end-of-life care options for individuals and the clinicians who serve them.
The Wayfinders Network and Patient Choices Vermont are moving forward as distinct entities; they remain mutually supportive, collaborative and focused on a shared commitment to Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont.
How can we help you?
The Wayfinders Network provides compassionate guidance, emotional support, and practical planning for people exploring Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont, empowering informed end-of-life decisions that honor autonomy, dignity, and personal values.
A Wayfinder™ is a trained, non-medical guide who helps individuals and families understand and navigate the Medical Aid in Dying process. Wayfinders can help you understand what to expect, identify next steps, connect with appropriate resources and providers, think through practical details, and provide steady support along the way.
This support involves coordinating with multiple providers, making difficult decisions, preparing loved ones, arranging practical and physical support, and adapting when circumstances change. A Wayfinder can help you navigate these moments with knowledge, compassion, and respect for your choices.
Every Wayfinder brings their own experience, approach, and style of support. The questions below may help you understand what to expect and determine whether a particular Wayfinder is the right fit for you and your family.
Choosing a Wayfinder
There is no single “right” Wayfinder for everyone. You may choose a Wayfinder based on location, availability, professional background, particular areas of experience, services offered, fees, or simply who feels like a good fit for you and your family. It’s helpful to have criteria for what is most important to you and your loved ones. You do not need to figure out your exact travel plans before choosing a Wayfinder.
Although Vermont is a small state, mountains, rural roads, and limited east-west highways mean that distance on a map does not always reflect actual travel time. For this reason, if you begin your search based on location, we recommend choosing a Wayfinder based on the general area of Vermont where you are considering staying. Once you are connected with a Wayfinder, they can help you understand the geography of their area and plan the most practical way to get there based on your home location, mobility, and mode of transportation. This may include guidance about the easiest airports, driving routes, and realistic travel times.Your plans can become more specific as you move through the process. You do not need to have all of the logistics figured out before reaching out.
Considerations when choosing a Wayfinder
1. Navigation, Timing & Logistics
A Wayfinder can help you navigate the medical aid in dying process and the practical considerations that come with it. Ask how they work alongside physicians, hospice, pharmacists, and other members of your care team, and how they can help with timing, location, travel, and other logistics.
2. Services, Scope & Physical Support
Every Wayfinder offers something a little different. Ask what services they provide, what falls outside their role, and how they can help anticipate and coordinate physical, accessibility, or caregiving needs so that you and those supporting you can be comfortable and safe.
3. Emotional, Spiritual & Family Support
Medical aid in dying can bring a wide range of emotions and may affect the entire family. Ask how the Wayfinder approaches emotional, relational, and spiritual needs, including situations in which family members have different feelings or perspectives.
4. Autonomy & Making the Time Meaningful
Medical aid in dying is a deeply personal decision. Ask how the Wayfinder will support choices that reflect your wishes, values, and goals, while helping you and those you love make the time that remains as meaningful as possible.
5. Cost & Financial Considerations
Ask about the full range of fees and other anticipated expenses so you and your family can make an informed decision about what is financially manageable.
6. When Things Don't Go According to Plan
Even with careful preparation, circumstances can change. Ask how the Wayfinder responds to unexpected changes, delays, or challenges and how they will help you and your family adapt.
Finding the Right Fit
The relationship matters. Pay attention to how you feel during your conversations with prospective Wayfinders, and trust your instincts.