According to a survey done by The Conversation Project, a project of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is “extremely important;” however, over half of those people have not communicated their end of life wishes with their family.

Talking to others and asking the right questions about end- of-life wishes can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Questions such as what would you want in regards to  being resuscitated, do you want to be an organ donor, who do you want to make your decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself – are all questions that we as family members should know about those we love – and they should know about us.   Advance medical planning allows you, your family and physicians to discuss your desires, direct and provide the type of care you want.   Knowing what you need to do as well as having ‘the conversation’ with family and friends provides the most control over your own future and reduces the challenges faced in difficult times.
  
The Hope Center of Texoma, a community outreach of Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke, & Fannin Counties, is providing information and tools for you to talk about your wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with Texas state laws.

The public is invited to come by the following locations and talk with JoCarolyn Chambers, LCSW, social worker at the Hope Center, to receive free one-on-one support and guidance with advance medical planning:  Friday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Whitesboro Library, 308 W. Main Street in Whitesboro; Tuesday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the TEAM Center, 806 W. 16th Street in Bonham; Friday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Cooke County Library, 200 S. Weaver Street in Gainesville; Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Denison Library, 300 W. Gandy Street in Denison; or Friday, March 28 from 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at the Sherman Senior Citizens Center, 1500 N. Broughton Street in Sherman. 

This program will also be offered to the public at The Center for Family Medicine, 1906 W. US Hwy 82 in Sherman, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., on March 17, April 7 & 21, and May 5 & 19. 

“The opportunity to talk with your loved ones, whether your parents, your spouse, brother, sister or child about their wishes, desires and hopes provides for an immense sense of peace and comfort in the midst of some of the most difficult storms in life,” said Chambers. “The knowledge that you have done what your family member or friend entrusted to you is truly a gift that you will have forever.”

For more information please call 903-868-9315 or visit www.homehospice.org/educational-programs/. 

The Hope Center is a community outreach service program in accordance with the mission of Home Hospice of Grayson County, Cooke, and Fannin Counties.  Home Hospice has been providing care and support, comfort, and healing to the greater Texoma area for more than 30 years and has established the Hope Center to further its programs in grief support, community education and palliative care.