Respecting Wishes Goals Encourage discussions about how people want to live their last years and final days Encourage the use of health care proxies and “living wills” Work with senior groups - and organizations providing medical, emotional and spiritual care - to assure that people’s wishes are respected

Niagara Caregivers Network Respecting Wishes Physician Input through Niagara Medical Society CASE Professional Leadership Well Elders Frail Elders Caregivers PROGRAM SITES Home Health Medical Offices Long Term Care Hospitals Adult Day Treatment Senior Residences Worksites Council on Aging Grass Roots Leadership Office of Aging Network of Religious Communities Center of Renewal PROGRAM SITES Senior Clubs Senior Centers Churches

Ideas Train seniors as program leaders –Lead or co-lead programs –Ongoing source of reliable information –Supported by RSVP Offer a series of programs to keep the discussion going Produce a television show Put information on a website

Advance Care Planning: A Gift Clarify values, beliefs Choose a Spokesperson Understand life- sustaining treatments Practical issues Compassion and Support at the End of Life

How to Clarify Values and Beliefs Your values Your personal beliefs Your spiritual beliefs What makes life worth living What really matters to you Your hopes and wishes Speak to your Spokesperson (Agent) Family Spiritual Adviser Physician

Suggested Program “Respecting Wishes” program always offered Optional programs: –File of Life The medical information you need, when you need it –Being Your Best – Wellness Planning with Doctor & Family Decide on Goal and check your signs Choose your Steps and learn each time Skills for communication, stress mgt and prayer –Memories and Wisdoms Create a “loving will”? –Individual Facilitation through RSVP volunteers?

Next Steps June – July –Finalize fall programs –Begin video interviews -August - September -Conduct training sessions -September -Begin pilot programs at churches, senior centers, agencies and worksites -October -Begin TV broadcasts -Begin evaluating programs