“Advance care planning is a gift that really does keep on giving — not only for yourself, but for your loved ones.”
That’s the encouragement Dr. Jeff Gardere, “America’s Psychologist” and Compassion & Choices Board Member, shared with community members and health care professionals in Washington, D.C., on April 16.
To mark Healthcare Decisions Day, Compassion & Choices partnered with Knollwood, a nonprofit community for adults 62 and older, to host a day-long educational event about advance care planning. Financial planning experts, doulas, and other professionals — including members of the Compassion & Choices African American Leadership Council — led informative presentations and discussions on all aspects of preparing for life’s final chapter.
Advance care planning boils down to ensuring your voice is heard, shared Brandi Alexander, chief engagement officer at Compassion & Choices. “It’s about being able to highlight what matters most to you when it comes to your end-of-life care.”
Zeena Regis, director of priority populations at Compassion & Choices, urged the audience to be proactive rather than reactive. Identifying resources and care providers before you need them, like local hospice options, can provide peace of mind and alleviate stress later on.
Attendees were engaged throughout the day, asking questions, participating in conversations, and taking steps to plan for their future. Presenter Dr. Lolita Melhado, a palliative care expert, reflected on the importance of events like this: “Everybody deserves to have good care, to have a chaplain or someone that can talk to them about their values and what’s most important to them.”
Participants left with greater clarity on how to make informed decisions for their care as well as practical resources for creating wills and advance directives.Every month, Compassion & Choices hosts events like this in communities across the nation to equip individuals and families to prepare for the end of life with confidence. Discover free tools and resources to start planning for your own journey today.
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
David Blank
Media Relations Director
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Phone: (227) 225 6553
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
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(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
