Hospice will distribute information about advance planning at 4 public libraries on Friday
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
ALBION – In recognition of how difficult it is for people to think about and discuss health care decisions, Hospice of Orleans is distributing free copies of the nation’s most popular advance care planning resource, Five Wishes.
Hospice volunteers will be promoting and distributing this resource at the following partnering libraries on November 10: Hoag Library in Albion from 2 to 6 p.m.; Lee-Whedon Memorial Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Yates Community Library from noon to 4 p.m.; and Community Free Library in Holley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Five Wishes allows individuals and families to make important decisions in terms that are meaningful and understandable to them, and helps patients and families to more effectively communicate their decisions to health care providers. In addition to important medical issues, Five Wishes addresses matters of the heart and soul (comfort, family relationships, dignity, and spirituality) and encourages people to be specific about their wishes in their own words.
“We are very happy to provide this valuable free resource to our community,” said Kellie Spychalski, chief executive officer of Hospice of Orleans. “Making your advanced health care wishes known is very important. Everyone, even people who are in great health, should consider creating an advanced care plan. Doing so allows you to inform your family and your doctor about what you would like done or not done should you be unable to tell them. Making these decisions when you are healthy can bring peace of mind and relief to families during any future tough times. Our organization is very proud to have made a commitment to serve as our community’s resource for advanced care planning for people of all ages and in all stages of life.”
Hospice offers relief from the pain and symptoms experienced by people living with advanced, serious illness. In addition to providing high-quality medical care, hospice provides psychosocial support and spiritual care to patients and their families. Hospice is available to anyone with a life-limiting illness when curative treatment is stopped.
Hospice of Orleans is celebrating National Hospice Month throughout the month of November by promoting the importance of thinking and talking about health care decisions well in advance of a serious illness or accident that may lead to someone being cared for by hospice.
Additional information about hospice and advance care planning is available on our website www.hospiceoforleans.org or by calling (585) 589-0809. Anyone wishing a free copy of the Five Wishes resource can call (585) 589-0809.
