PHOENIX AND SUN CITY – Making an end-of-life decision for a loved one isn’t something anyone should have to guess about. Yet a study found people guessed nearly one out of three end-of-life decisions for their loved one incorrectly, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Banner Health will hold two free events on “Health Care Decisions Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 to raise awareness about the importance of completing advance directives, which ensure a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment are carried out in case they’ve become seriously ill or unable to communicate them.
The events will take place at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, 901 E. Willetta St. in Phoenix, and at Banner Sun Health Research Institute’s Morin Auditorium, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive in Sun City.
Experts will provide special focus on assisting people recently diagnosed or living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners. Anyone may attend and receive help at the events, which are in partnership with Hospice of the Valley and Contexture.
“The best way to support your loved ones is to be prepared. Completing your advance directives helps your loved ones to know your wishes, so they can best advocate for you in the future,” said Banner Licensed Social Worker Barbara Johnson.
Participants will learn which documents need review, receive resources to inform discussions and decisions, and have an opportunity to complete and register documents containing their health care decisions.
Elder law attorneys will be available to answer questions.
There are 150,000 Arizonans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 257,000 Arizonans caring for a friend or family member with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Research shows that you are more likely to get the care you want if you have conversations about your future medical treatment and put a plan in place. It may also help your loved ones grieve more easily and feel less burden, guilt, and depression.
“Young or old, we all need to think about this and review our documents periodically. This event is a great opportunity to just ‘get it done,’” Johnson said. “If you have been putting off this task or are unclear where to start, join us and the many experts we have gathered to help you do just that.”
Registration is required. Limited seating is available for hour-long sessions with experts. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/BAIHealthCareDay.
About Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
Since its inception in 2006, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has sought to find effective Alzheimer’s disease prevention therapies without losing another generation, establish a new model of dementia care for patients and family caregivers, and forge new models of collaboration in biomedical research. It has made groundbreaking contributions to the unusually early detection, tracking, diagnosis and study of Alzheimer’s, and aims to find an effective prevention therapy by 2025. It includes the pioneering Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative, an extensive profile of research studies and clinical trials, comprehensive clinical, family and community service programs, a leading brain imaging research program, and strategic partnerships with public and private research organizations around the world. Learn more at www.bannerhealth.com/Alzheimers.
About Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Since 1986, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, part of nonprofit Banner Health, has been a leader nationally and internationally in the effort to find answers to disorders of aging including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The institute’s Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research takes laboratory discoveries to clinical trials that foster hope for new treatments. Banner Health is Arizona’s leading health care provider and largest private employer. For more information, visit bannershri.com or visit us on Facebook.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]