Everyone needs advance directives, says Hospice of Montezuma marketing director Michelle Cameron.<\/p>\n
That term refers to a written statement of one\u2019s health care treatment wishes, designed to have those wishes carried out should one be unable to communicate with a doctor. An advance directives statement, sometimes called an advanced care plan, often includes a person\u2019s living will and is composed with a physician based on one\u2019s personal health care needs, Cameron said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s never too early to set up advance directives, Cameron said. Family members or friends will know what your wishes are through your advance directives should a crisis situation arise when you can\u2019t speak for yourself, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a gift you\u2019re giving your family so they don\u2019t have to agonize over a decision,\u201d Cameron said. \u201cThey know what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several speakers will talk advance directives and other aspects of health care as Hospice of Montezuma\u2019s celebrates National Health Care Decisions Day on April 23. The event takes place at Cortez Conference Center at Destination Grill starting at 8 a.m. It\u2019s free and open to the public, but limited spots are available, and an RSVP is requested by April 15.<\/p>\n
Physician Lynn Naumann will speak on the medical aspects of advance directives, and attorney Keenan Lovett will discuss legal aspects. Other speakers will discuss health care issues including finances, communication and funeral planning at the event.<\/p>\n
Cameron said it\u2019s a very important event.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery individual matters and has a need for this information,\u201d she said. \u201cI hope people in the community will understand how valuable this is. \u2026 I hope people walk away from this with knowledge and a willingness to have a conversation with their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though Hospice of Montezuma assists clients with their end-of-life arrangements, Cameron said the agency provides much more than that.<\/p>\n
The service employs a \u201cteam approach,\u201d working with doctors, nurses, home health aids, social workers, chaplains and volunteers to assist with clients\u2019 health care, she said.<\/p>\n
The hospice care industry nationwide is trending toward providing and caring for not only the client, but also the families of those clients. Hospice of Montezuma provides support groups for caregivers and families, as well as a bereavement program, which is accessible to anyone with a need, Cameron said.<\/p>\n
For clients, the service offers standard medical care, as well as different types of care such as music and massage therapy, Cameron said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important for people to make health care decisions for themselves ahead of time, so they can plan out how they want to live their lives, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re breaking barriers to make this a more general, accepted conversation,\u201d Cameron said. \u201cThe more people in the community who talk about it, the more people will have these talks. If more people generalize it, it will become more common.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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