Windsong Memory Care of Fort Collins hosted their monthly presentation on The Conversation Project at their facility in December. Speaker Donna Forrest, RN, provided the informational forum with her audience.
Several past survey facts indicate 90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important. However, only 27% have done so.
Donna explained The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-oflife care. Many family members or loved ones are resistant in talking about this important topic. Donna recognized the challenges with family facing dementia problems in making major decisions on their loved one’s health care. She related the conversation with her dad, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. He said to her, “let nature takes its course!” He wanted and died at a local hospice.
Donna asked the audience to discuss what is important to them about their wishes on end of life care with another person in the audience. Afterwards, audience members responded they wanted to make sure their family members followed their wishes as they don’t want to suffer or living longer than necessary and to die with dignity. Several important key items on navigating health care with your loved ones are to 1) get their advanced directives completed, 2) obtain their medical history and current medications, 3) get a list of their favorite items such as a blanket or, stuffed animal, and 4) make sure their physician talks to your loved one about end of life options.
For more information on The Conversation Project, visit their website at theconversationproject.org or contact Donna at 970-999-5169 or Becky at Windsong at 970-889-0178.
Pictured (l-r): Holly Smith, Executive Director at Windsong, speaker Donna Forrest, & Becky Lepinski, Community Relations Director