What is advanced care planning?
Advanced care planning is about planning for the “what ifs” that may occur across a person’s entire lifespan. ACP is about doing what you can now to ensure the health care treatment you receive is consistent with your wishes and preferences, should you be unable to make your own decisions or speak for yourself. Whether someone is healthy today, facing an acute illness, a long-term chronic illness or a terminal illness, advanced care planning helps alleviate unnecessary suffering, improves quality of life and provides a better understanding of the decision-making challenges any individual may face. Everyone, of every age, should be able to live and die in a manner that is best suited to their individual needs and wishes.
Did you know, more than 70% of Americans would prefer to die at home, yet only about 25% of deaths occur at home? At the same time, 90% of Americans recognize the importance of talking with loved ones about their end-of-life care, but fewer than 30% have actually done so. Often this is due to a lack of understanding about a person’s choices and rights, as well as the fear and denial of facing one’s own mortality.
Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley is teaming up with community organizations and business across St. Lawrence County to present Dying To Talk – a series aimed at uncovering the myths surrounding advanced care planning and end-of-life care through conversations focused on facing death and embracing life. Hospice recognizes that life is a terminal diagnosis and everyone should have the opportunity to express their wishes regarding what they want the end of their life to look like. This group-directed discussion will enable participants to discuss topics such as health care options, end-of-life treatments, advanced care planning, funerals, dying and other topics our culture tends to shy away from.
Hospice and its partners invite you help abolish the stigma and join us in a lively conversation about a subject we shouldn’t be so quiet about – death!
Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming Dying To Talk events in your community.
Interested in hosting your own Dying To Talk event? Contact Hospice’s Marketing & Events Coordinator at (315) 265-3105 or events@hospiceslv.org to learn more!
