GRMC to Offer Advance Directive Seminar

“Dying is not optional. Being prepared is.” -- Rick Wopat, MD. These words guide Grinnell Regional Medical Center as it presents the “Put it in Writing” program. This educational presentation will explain the value and need for advance directives in healthcare.

The program is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27, beginning at 7 p.m. at the GRMC Tomasek Conference Center. All adults are invited to learn about end-of-life wishes and how to put them in writing so that loved ones know what type of care you want in the event of life-threatening conditions.

Class participants will examine their wants and desires not only at end-of-life but also when a major health crisis occurs. The time to discuss these concerns is long before the crisis that calls families together outside of emergency departments or ICUs, a time when emotions are high and logical decisions seems to be difficult to determine.

“In general, families find it very difficult to approach conversations about death and medical emergencies before a crisis occurs. During a crisis decision making becomes even more complicated and strains family relationships when, in fact, they are all the more important,” explains Susan Sanning, program presenter and GRMC chaplain. “The time to discuss wishes for healthcare is when it can be discussed in a less stressful atmosphere and when you can take the time to respectfully navigate differences.”

In Iowa two documents are available to express wishes and plans for changes in health. These are the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions or the Medical Power of Attorney and the Declaration Relating to Life Sustaining Procedures or the Living Will. The Medical Power of Attorney assigns the responsibility to another person to make healthcare choices for someone when he/she can not. The Living Will states a person’s wishes specifically for healthcare.

Forms will be available at the program, as well as on the web at no cost. Forms are also available by contacting Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418. To link to the websites, go to the Grinnell Regional Medical Center website at www.grmc.us then click on the Put it in Writing button.

This seminar is free and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m. with light refreshments served before the program. Please make a reservation by Thursday, July 22, by calling 641-236-2418.