Patricia Richardson, a former Waiakea High School teacher, said her doctor, family and friends encouraged for years her to prepare an advance health care directive.
Patricia Richardson, a former Waiakea High School teacher, said her doctor, family and friends encouraged for years her to prepare an advance health care directive.
“But every time I looked at the forms, I was confused by the choices and the legal language, so I just set the papers aside,” she said.
Under the leadership of Barry Taniguchi, KTA Super Stores chairman and CEO, Community First has sponsored workshops to help people complete their AHCD.
Richardson finally decided to attend Community First’s September presentation.
“It was excellent!” she said. “Everything was clearly explained, step by step, and all of my questions were answered.”
The next presentation is scheduled for 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, 1055 Kinoole St. in Hilo. The sessions are free and open to anyone.
“Many Hilo doctors are encouraging their patients to complete the advance health care directive that documents one’s end-of-life wishes,” said Community First’s Tony Kent.
Kent stresses that the choices regarding end-of-life care are for each individual to decide.
“Our mission is to provide an understanding of the choices and to have individuals document their choices,” he said. “We also stress the importance of having a conversation about it with your family. It’s an important gift to your loved ones so that they won’t have to guess what you want if you no longer can speak for yourself.
For those who already have a living will, health care power of attorney or AHCD, the presentation can help review the documents to be sure they meet current needs, Kent said.
To register, call Kent at 464-2800 or Amy Hamane at 935-1500 or visit www.CommunityfirstHawaii.org/registration.