Planning for the future

Community members can learn about advanced care planning at a Wimmera Health Care Group information session on April 17.

Residential In-reach program co-ordinator Chris Dodson said Advanced Care Planning Week provided an opportune time for people to think about and plan for the future.

“Advance care planning helps to ensure that loved ones and doctors know what you or your loved one’s health and personal preferences really are,” he said.

“Planning ahead involves thinking and talking about what you want to happen in the future. It makes it easier and less stressful for family members.”

Advance care planning involves appointing someone to make medical decisions on an individual’s behalf and completing an advance care directive form.

Mr Dodson said an advance care directive only came into effect if the person involved was unable to make decisions for themselves. He said if that time came, an advance care directive would guide loved ones and doctors to make decisions respecting the person’s values and preferences.

The information session, including supper, will be in Wimmera Health Care Group’s Day Centre Building, Robinson Street, Horsham, from 6pm to 7pm.

People who plan to attend can RSVP by calling 5381 9391 by Monday.