Free Community Resources Empower People to Take Control of Healthcare Choices

Hospice of the Western Reserve Supports National Healthcare Decisions Day Campaign

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Apr 06, 2016, 06:15 ET

CLEVELAND, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hospice of the Western Reserve, along with other national, state and community organizations, is leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). National studies show nearly 90 percent of adults agree that talking to family and doctors about their personal values and preferences for end-of-life care is important. Yet only one-third have had such conversations.

Having a healthcare plan in place that communicates personal values and choices is important for all adults. Accidents or serious illness can happen at any age. Gwen and her husband did not have a plan when they married. Here is their story.

"Accidents or serious illness can happen at any age," said Bill Finn, President and CEO, Hospice of the Western Reserve. "We see first-hand the peace of mind it brings when people plan ahead and receive the care they want at the end of life. They not only avoid unnecessary suffering; they save their family from the agonizing burden of guessing what they would want when they are incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves. It's a gift to loved ones."

Hospice of the Western Reserve is providing community resources to help individuals have conversations and document their preferences by completing written advance directives. In Ohio, advance directives include Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will forms. Free web resources include a Courage in Conversation guide with planning worksheets and all the legal documents required by the State of Ohio. The guide and other resources are available at hospicewr.org/decisions, or by calling 800.707.8922.

In addition to web resources, the following free public educational sessions are available:

Friday, April 15:
Warrensville Hts. YMCA, 4433 Northfield Rd. Warrensville Hts., Advance Care Planning, 11 a.m. to 12 noon; registration: 216.518.9622

Sunday, April 17:
Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5050 Porter Rd., North Olmsted, "Safe Passages: Life is a Journey. Are You Prepared?," 1-2 p.m. at the (12:30 p.m. registration) featuring panel discussion of community experts (event is secular and open to the general public)

Monday, April 18:
Stewart's Caring Place, 2955 W. Market Street, Suite R, Akron, Advance Care Planning, 2 to 3 p.m., registration: 330.836.1772, or www.stewartscaringplace.org

Saturday, April 23:
River Styx Park, Medina, 8156 River Styx Rd., Wadsworth, "Healthy Strides" event begins at 9 a.m., combines a casual 1-3 mile walk with a brief talk about Advance Care Planning; no registration required; information: 330.721.5992

CONTACT: Laurie Henrichsen, 216-701-1768, [email protected]

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC4iNJYifkk&feature=youtu.be

SOURCE Hospice of the Western Reserve