New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute’s ‘Conversation of Your Life’ initiative offers community events for Teaneck residents.
Teaneck—Is there ever a good time to talk about serious illnesses and medical crises? Or, what kind of care you’d want through the end of your life? Beginning in March, Holy Name Medical Center, the Township of Teaneck and Age-Friendly Teaneck (AFCI) will present a series of “Conversation of Your Life” events, covering such topics as:
Your life: What gives you joy, pleasure and meaning—and how that meshes with deciding about the care you’d want if you faced a life-limiting illness.
Good communication: Talking about your preferences with your loved ones and your health care providers.
Advance care planning: Documenting your wishes and designating someone close to you who understands them and can speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.
Featured Events:
Campaign Kickoff—Meet the Author: Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m., Teaneck Public Library
Ellen Rand, hospice volunteer, former New York Times columnist, author of “Last Comforts: Notes From the Forefront of Late Life Care” and Teaneck resident, will discuss her book, trends in person-centered care at the end of life and how to advocate for better care for yourself or your loved ones.
Advance Directives: What You Need to Know: Wednesday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., Richard Rodda Community Center
Following a short, compelling film, Lauren Van Saders, administrative director of post-acute services at Holy Name Medical Center’s Community Hospice Program and Villa Marie Claire Hospice, will discuss how to start the conversation and the process, and will share tools and resources available to create your advance directive.
Estate Planning for Elders: Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m., Teaneck Public Library
Bergen County Surrogate Judge Michael R. Dressler will discuss the importance of creating a last will and testament, potential tax consequences for those who die intestate, probate procedures, the administration of an estate, guardianship of minors, living wills and estate planning, and the importance of drawing up a plan for protecting one’s legacy.
Patient-Centered Care—Goals for Care at the End of Life: Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m., Holy Name Medical Center
Lauren Van Saders, administrative director of post-acute services at Holy Name Medical Center’s Community Hospice Program and Villa Marie Claire Hospice, and Ari Berger, MD, palliative care physician at Holy Name, will present this seminar on what good-quality care looks like, the differences between palliative and hospice care, and will debunk myths about both.
For more information, visit www.holyname.org/events or call 201-833-3336.
Admission to all events is free. Conversation of Your Life is an initiative of the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.
