A workshop is being offered to educate people on the importance of advanced care plans. That’s a plan indicating what, if any, advanced medical care a person wants to receive if they’re unable to speak for themselves.
The workshop is meant to keep people prepared, so that in the event of an emergency, your wishes can be honored.
The goal is to get people of all ages more involved in advance care plans, before a plan is needed.
Ashley Hunt is the advance care planning specialist for Mid Michigan Health. She said the goal is to get people started on advance care plans earlier in life, and keep them updated throughout.
“We are really trying to get people to participate when they’re young and healthy and keep on updating their plans and really talking about it to their loved ones and their healthcare providers in an ongoing manner throughout so that when your life changes or your health changes you have an updated document, but more importantly have updated communication with those who are going to be involved in your care.”
Hunt said she offers workshops throughout 22 Michigan counties.
“Advance care planning as a process, so many people hear about that they don’t even know what it is, others think that it’s just about completing an advance directive or a durable power of attorney for healthcare and really what we’re trying to get people involved in is documenting your healthcare wishes throughout your life, not just at the end of life or when you have a terminal illness, something tragic happens.”
Two Midland workshops are scheduled for September 13, from noon-1:00 and 5:00-5:30 at the Senior Services Mills Activity and Dining Area of Greater Midland North Family Center, located at 2601 E. Shearer Road. A follow-up event is scheduled for October 11th. The events are open to the public.
To register, call the North Midland Family Center at 989-689-7770.