Senior Voice -

In recognition of how difficult it is for people to think about and discuss health care decisions, Hospice of Anchorage is distributing free copies of the nation’s most popular advance care planning resource, “Five Wishes”.

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.

Hospice care 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. Generally, hospice is available to anyone with a terminal diagnosis when curative treatment is stopped. In the case of  Hospice of Anchorage, services can be provided during curative treatment, as well, should the client desire it.

Hospice of Anchorage 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.

To learn more see our Facebook event page http://bit.ly/2z4cYTw or by calling 907-561-5322. (Disclaimer: the above description is a template provided by Five Wishes to be used for press releases.)

Events/Programs

Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of National Hospice Month, Hospice of Anchorage will be having a Health Care Directive Planning Day with a presentation at noon. This presentation will be approximately one hour and will emphasize the importance of utilizing Five Wishes and other documents that let your healthcare wishes be known in case of a medical emergency. We will have Five Wishes and copies of the State Advance Care Directive available at no cost.

Throughout the day starting at 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. we will also be available for people who want one-on-one sit downs to go over the Five Wishes and health care planning in general. These slots will be scheduled in 30 minute appointments and then after the presentation there will be a second person available for walk-ins. Please RSVP to reserve a spot at volunteers@hospiceofanchorage.org or by calling 561-5322.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. we will jointly host “Navigating the Holidays after a Loss.” This is held at the First Congregational Church in the common room (2610 E. Northern Lights Blvd.).

The upcoming season presents new challenges to people coping with grief over the death of a loved one. Dealing with relatives and friends, social gatherings, spiritual and family traditions, shopping, decorating - all can be overwhelming. Planning can help. This workshop, offered by Hospice of Anchorage and Providence Hospice, will offer gentle suggestions on ways to handle the holidays and help make plans that are right for you.

We invite you to attend this free program. All are welcome. RSVP appreciated.

Please email support@hospiceofanchorage.org or call 561-5322 for information or to register.