Respecting WishesGoals

• Encourage discussions about how people want to live their last years and final days

• Encourage the use of health care proxies and “living wills”

• Work with senior groups - and organizations providing medical, emotional and spiritual care - to assure that people’s wishes are respected

Niagara Caregivers Network

Respecting Wishes

Physician Inputthrough

Niagara Medical Society

CASE Professional Leadership

Well EldersFrail EldersCaregivers

PROGRAM SITESHome Health

Medical OfficesLong Term Care

HospitalsAdult Day TreatmentSenior Residences

Worksites

Council on AgingGrass Roots Leadership

Office of Aging

Network of Religious Communities

Center of Renewal

PROGRAM SITESSenior Clubs

Senior CentersChurches

Ideas

• Train seniors as program leaders– Lead or co-lead programs– Ongoing source of reliable information– Supported by RSVP

• Offer a series of programs to keep the discussion going

• Produce a television show

• Put information on a website

Advance Care Planning: A GiftAdvance Care Planning: A Gift

• Clarify values, beliefs

• Choose a Spokesperson

• Understand life-sustaining treatments

• Practical issuesCompassion and Supportat the End of Life

How to Clarify Values and BeliefsHow to Clarify Values and Beliefs

• Your values

• Your personal beliefs

• Your spiritual beliefs

• What makes life worth living

• What really matters to you

• Your hopes and wishes

Speak to your

• Spokesperson (Agent)

• Family

• Spiritual Adviser

• Physician

Suggested Program• “Respecting Wishes” program always offered• Optional programs:

– File of Life• The medical information you need, when you need it

– Being Your Best – Wellness Planning with Doctor & Family

Decide on Goal and check your signsChoose your Steps and learn each time

• Skills for communication, stress mgt and prayer

– Memories and Wisdoms• Create a “loving will”?

– Individual Facilitation through RSVP volunteers?

Next Steps

• June – July– Finalize fall programs– Begin video interviews

- August - September- Conduct training sessions

- September- Begin pilot programs at churches, senior centers,

agencies and worksites- October

- Begin TV broadcasts- Begin evaluating programs