Free assistance on National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16

Re: Free assistance on National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16

From: MAC, Inc., Area Agency on Aging

Contact: Cindy Robinson
410-742-0505, ext. 118 or cfr@macinc.org

Thank you for any coverage you can provide.

Are you ready to give your family the gift of an advance directive? MAC, Inc., can help.

“It really is a gift! It puts your healthcare decisions in your words,” said MAC’s Donna Blackwell, who is coordinating National Healthcare Decisions Day activities on the Lower Shore.

An advance healthcare directive is a written document that specifies what end-of-life medical care you do – and don’t – want. In the case of a person who becomes impaired and is unable to make healthcare decisions for themselves, the document provides critical information to hospitals, physicians, and family members about their wishes for end-of-life medical care.

An advance directive “puts you in charge of your healthcare decisions. Your family will know exactly what your healthcare wishes are,” Blackwell said. “Losing someone you love is difficult enough without having to make emotional decisions about end-of-life medical care.”

As part of National Healthcare Decisions Day April 16, MAC, in partnership with Coastal Hospice & Palliative Care, is hosting free programs to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. Free information and assistance in preparing advance healthcare directive forms will be available.

The free programs will be held at the following sites on Tuesday, April 16:

• MAC, Inc., Salisbury, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
• Berlin Nursing Home, 10 a.m. to noon
• Genesis Salisbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 10 a.m. to noon
• The Gables, Princess Anne, 1 to 3 p.m.

 

 While the programs are free, appointments are required. For an appointment call 410-742-0505.

According to the NHDD website, the goal of National Healthcare Decisions Day is to educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance healthcare planning.

For more information about National Healthcare Decisions Day, visit www.nhdd.org.

For more information on the free programs, or on MAC, Inc., and its many services, call 410-742-0505.

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 MAC Incorporated, the Area Agency on Aging, is a private, nonprofit organization serving senior citizens in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. MAC’s mission is to provide programs and services which promote dignity, health and independence for an aging population.