October is National Health Care Proxy Month

Editorial by Niagara Hospice

Do you know who will make health care decisions for you if you can't? Or why everyone age 18 and older should have a health care proxy? October is National Health Care Proxy Month, making it the perfect time to learn what you can do now to ensure your health care wishes are known by your family and physician.

Hosted by Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Hospice will hold an advance care planning program to help ensure your health care wishes are followed. Niagara Hospice medical social worker Cheryl Ferguson, BSW, MSW will discuss health care proxies, do not resuscitate orders (DNR), living wills and MOLST. She will answer common questions about advance directives, including what MOLST is and help participants understand the importance of choosing a trusted health care proxy, as well as how to go about it.

The seminar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Auditorium of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, First Floor, 621 Tenth St., Niagara Falls. It starts at 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served; the event is free and open to the public. Free forms and handouts also will be available. Register for the free seminar by leaving a message at 716-280-0742.

For more information, visit the events page at www.NiagaraHospice.org.  

Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to more than 20,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. No one is ever denied hospice care due to ability to pay. For more information, visit www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-439-4417.