End-of-life decisions subject of Caregiver Support Group meeting

The complex medical, legal and personal issues surrounding end-of-life decisions will be discussed at the next meeting of the Caregiver Support Group on Wednesday, May 31, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Patient Support Services Building auditorium.

The speaker is Kathy Glasmire, associate director of Compassionate Care Alliance, a regional coalition of health-care and community organizations and individuals working to stimulate public dialogue around end-of-life issues. The title of her talk is “Medical Decisions When They Count Most.”

The Terri Schiavo case in Florida brought national attention to those issues. The case also raised awareness of how important it is for every adult to consider certain decisions. They include:

Do you know who will make medical decisions for you if you become unable to communicate?

Are you concerned about the declining health of a family member or close friend, but unsure how to talk about what lies ahead?

Do you work with families that would benefit from advance care planning?

The presentation is designed to help attendees prepare for medical decisions about care near the end of life and provide information on advance directives: what they are, choosing a spokesperson and talking with loved ones. Attendees will receive a free packet of materials, including an advance directive document.