Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Get help with advance healthcare decision making

Riverwood Healthcare Center, along with other national, state and community organizations, is highlighting the importance of advance healthcare decision making in April.

On Tues., April 21, Riverwood will host a program to offer information and tools for individuals to talk about their medical care wishes with their family, friends and health care providers. This program will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Riverwood Healthcare Center in conference rooms A & B.

Program attendees will gain access to materials and have an opportunity to execute written healthcare directives in accordance with Minnesota state laws. Copies of the Minnesota Health Care Directive and Five Wishes forms will be provided.

“A key advantage of completing a healthcare directive is that your family members and healthcare providers are better able to honor your wishes if you have provided advance guidance for the type of care you wish to receive,” explains Val Thompson, Licensed Social Worker at Riverwood. “In working with hospital patients, I’ve seen how beneficial it is for family members when there is a healthcare directive in place.”

To register for this informational program or for any questions, please contact Val Thompson at Riverwood Social Services at (218) 927-5524.