Volunteer presenters from Community First, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving health care communitywide, will offer a free class on advance health care directives from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday (Feb. 22). The event will be hosted by Hawaii Care Choices at its community building located at 1011 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.
Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP to Jeanette Mochida at 969-1733.
An advance health care directive is a written statement about a person’s future medical care. The Conversation Project, a national organization providing resources for individuals and organizations to help people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care, shares data that shows 90 percent of people say talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important, but just 27 percent have done so. Additionally, 82 percent of people say it’s important to put their wishes in writing but only 23 percent have done so.
“People don’t realize how important this information is,” said Lani Weigert, clinical and community relations manager for Hawaii Care Choices. “Illness or an unexpected injury can happen to anyone at any time. If you can’t speak for yourself, will your loved ones know if you want to be on a ventilator, a feeding tube or receive CPR? When it comes to end-of-life care one conversation can make all the difference.”
It is part of Community First’s mission to educate every resident older than 65 about the importance of having “The Conversation” with their loved ones and the importance of having an AHCD. By having sessions with many groups in East Hawaii, volunteer presenters are giving residents the tools and confidence to have these conversations.
Research shows many critically ill people who die in hospitals receive unwanted, distressing treatments and have prolonged pain. Additionally, many fear their wishes will be disregarded and they will face death alone or in misery. This class seeks to alleviate these concerns.
Those attendees who already have a living will, health care power of attorney or AHCD will be taught how to review it to be sure it meets current medical needs and wishes. Those wanting assistance in filling out forms will receive guidance.
“We are working with our community to help them understand that advance health care directives are a tool that gives our families the gift of clarity about our end-of-life wishes and who will speak for us when we cannot speak for ourselves,” said Community First board member and volunteer Charlene Iboshi.
“This is the best gift anyone can give to their loved ones, and it’s free,” Weigert said.
For more information, call Mochida at the number above or email jmochida@hawaiicarechoices.org.