Imagine a sudden event such as a car accident or illness that left you or a family member unable to communicate. Have you identified someone you trust that can make sure your voice is heard and make health care decisions for you in the event that you are unable to do so? Do you have a health care directive?
Advance care planning can help give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Riverwood Healthcare Center is hosting a one-hour class called Advance Care Planning 101 for people of all ages. The class will be held on Tues., Sept. 26, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in conference room E/F in the Support Services wing of Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Lynn Betzold, program coordinator at Honoring Choices Minnesota, will cover: 1) How to discuss and share your wishes for medical care with your loved ones, your health care provider and health care agent; 2) Choosing a health care agent to make decisions on your behalf; and 3) How to prepare a health care directive to ensure that your wishes will be followed when you are unable to make decisions for your care.
A free light lunch is included in the program. Registration is required. Call Riverwood’s events line at (218) 927-5188 or email healthyliving@riverwoodhealthcare.org
Riverwood will be sponsoring additional group classes on advance care planning in the months ahead. For more information about advance care planning or creating a health care directive, contact your health care provider or call Honoring Choices Minnesota at 612-362-3704, www.HonoringChoices.org
Funding for this program is being provided in part by Stratis Health’s Building Healthier Communities Award, supporting efforts to build a culture of quality in health care.