JAMESTOWN – How we want to die represents the most important conversation America isn’t having. According to a survey published by Excellus in 2008, 80 percent of people say it is important to put their end-of life wishes in writing but only 26 percent have actually done so.
Hospice Chautauqua County and the Chautauqua County Health Network are teaming up to sponsor community dinners the week of National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16th. These dinners, called “Death Over Dinner,” will be opportunities for people to share a conversation with their friends or family members about wishes for end-of-life care. Those wishing to complete a living will and healthcare proxy will be able to do so.
Made possible in part by funding from Univera Healthcare and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Death Over Dinner events will take place at four different locations. Dinners will be catered and a $5 charge and reservation will be required.
Dinners are scheduled to take place at the following times and locations:
- Westfield- YWCA, Tues 4/14
- Jamestown- LSS Warner Place, Tues 4/14
- Fredonia- 1st Presbyterian Church, Wed 4/15
- North Harmony- Community Center, Thurs 4/16
Facilitated discussions will take place at each dinner table on this subject, know as Advance Care Planning. For some participants, the dinners will be an opportunity to begin their conversation about end-of-life wishes; for others it will be an opportunity to finalize their living wills and healthcare proxies.
Detailed information about the dinners, locations, dates, etc. may be found at www.HospiceChautCo.org. Reservations may be made on the website as well. Those without internet access or questions about the events can call RSVP at 665-6602 to inquire or make reservations.
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