On Monday Nov. 16th from 6-8 pm, Brattleboro Area Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital will co-sponsor a free public workshop on Advance Care Planning as part of the Wellness in Windham educational series. It will be held in the Brew Barry conference room at BMH.
Many of us know we need to complete our advance directives, but we keep putting it off. If a serious illness or accident leaves you unable to communicate, an advance directive becomes your voice. It tells those you love and your healthcare providers what you would want them to do for you. An advance directive is a gift to your loved ones—preventing them from the heart-rending burden of having to second-guess your wishes.
In this workshop you will:
• Get familiar with the range of terms and their consequences including: agent, COLST, DNR, code status, heroic measures, and hospice and palliative care.
• Gain clarity about the many healthcare choices that are possible so you can align them with your values and wishes.
• Learn how to ensure that your directive will be followed.
The workshop will be facilitated by Joanna Rueter, LICSW, and Suzanne Baxtresser, RN. For more information about the program or the free services of Brattleboro Area Hospice, visit their website at www.brattleborohospice.org or call Joanna Rueter at 257-0775, x101.
