HPNI Teams with Sherman Hospital on Free Advance Care Planning Event

Life can change at moment’s notice. If the unexpected happens and you are incapable of communicating to loved ones and healthcare providers what you want for yourself, will someone be able to communicate for you?

To help area residents prepare for the “what ifs” and the “just in cases” in life, Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois, Sherman Hospital, and the Center for Disability and Elder Law are teaming up to present “Making It Known,” a free advance care planning event.

This two-part community service event will take place on Friday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 28, at the Sherman Medical Office Building, 1435 N. Randall Road, 4th floor, in Elgin.

In part one of the process, held on June 10, a team of medical professionals, social workers and chaplains from Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois (HPNI) will make presentations on “Preparing for the Unexpected”  that will empower participants with information to:

• Help determine what is important to them in terms of their life values.
• Understand what life sustaining treatments may be used and how they impact quality of life.
• Decide what healthcare treatments they would not want.
• Understand how to select a person to speak on their behalf regarding healthcare desires if they are incapacitated.
• Learn how to communicate life values and healthcare goals to loved ones.
• Learn which documents are needed to ensure that specific wishes will be honored.

During part two of the process, held on June 28, volunteer legal, medical and social services staff from all three organizations will be available to answer questions in addition to assisting participants in executing documents they will need to ensure that their wishes will be honored.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 800-397-9000.