Hospice: Let's talk about it

COEUR d'ALENE - Hospice of North Idaho is opening the lines of communication about end-of-life-discussions.

"Getting the Conversation Started," a two-part series about how to discuss end-of-life matters with loved ones and medical providers, will begin April 19 at 9 a.m. at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. The free event is part of the Kroc Center's Life Skill Community Education classes, which are designed to help families learn life-long skills.

Using tools from "The Conversation Project," a public engagement campaign with the goal "to have every person's end-of-life wishes expressed and respected," the seminar will encourage people to have end-of-life conversations now rather than in emergency departments or intensive care units.

"These conversations are vital," said Dr. Robert Ancker, medical director of Hospice of North Idaho. "When people feel prepared and have had important conversations with their family, the way they interact with the medical community changes too, and allows us as healthcare providers to help them achieve their goals."

The first session will be an informative dialogue with a panel of end-of-life and advance directives experts from Hospice of North Idaho. Part two, which takes place in May, will be an interactive session with small-group discussions focused on family dynamics and the technicalities of having these difficult conversations.

"Getting the Conversation Started" will be facilitated by Hospice House of North Idaho board member Georgianne Jessen, with presenters to include Hospice employees Ancker, director of social services Mary Lennox, and Nolan and Vera Redman. Nolan, an Episcopal priest from Sandpoint, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and will be speaking from experience of the importance of planning for the end of one's life.

Attendees should bring their family and friends, and will receive a toolkit to guide them through the process of having conversations and physicians and filling out advance directive forms.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to sign up prior to the event at www.kroccda.org or by calling 667-1865. Info: www.theconversationproject.org or www.honi.org.