Free advance directives workshop helps patients stay in charge of their health

DOVER-FOXCROFT — What happens if you lose the ability to express your healthcare wishes following an illness or injury? If you have an advance directive, your family and caregivers will know what care you want, or may not want, on your terms, and it will be easier for a loved one to make decisions for you.

Northern Light Mayo Hospital is holding a free workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at the hospital’s Resource Center to share information about advance directives and how to complete the Maine Healthcare Advance Directive Form.

“An advance directive gives you control over your treatment even when you can’t speak for yourself,” says Nikki Chadwick, RN, MSN, CPHQ, vice president of quality and education, Mayo Hospital. “When you complete an advance directive, you will have confidence and peace of mind knowing that your choices will be honored to the greatest extent possible.”

Mayo Hospital encourages all adults to complete an advance directive, regardless of their current health or stage of life. Completed advance directives forms are securely stored in the electronic medical record for easy access.

For more information about the workshop, please call 207-564-4391.