Consider the Conversation
The greatest gift you can give your family is to have open and honest conversations surrounding your wishes about medical treatments as your health declines. Although many people avoid end-of-life discussions, taking proactive steps can help keep you and your loved ones from being blindsided when a medical emergency may occur. The key is having these conversations when you are healthy enough to have them, not when you are experiencing a health crisis.
To help community members start the conversation, Hope Hospice, ValleyCare Health System and the University of San Francisco Pleasanton Campus are jointly sponsoring a film screening of the documentary, Consider the Conversation, followed by a panel discussion by medical and communication experts. This free, thought-provoking event will be held on Monday, June 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6) at the Vine Cinema, 1722 First Street in Livermore. No reservations are needed.
Consider the Conversation highlights the American struggle with communication and preparation for the end of life. “This film inspires and empowers people to make their wishes known,” says Victoria Emmons, Hope Hospice CEO.”Hope Hospice is actively participating in The Conversation Project, a nationwide effort that is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. This screening is one of several events we are devoting to this important project.”
According to the California HealthCare Foundation, 82 percent of Californians surveyed said it is important to put their wishes in writing ; only 23 percent have actually done it. “Advance directives give individuals control over the health care they receive and the ability to name an ‘agent’ to speak for them if they cannot speak for themselves,” says ValleyCare Health System CEO Marcy Feit. “It is our hope that the community will take to heart the message of this film and speak to their loved ones about their wishes for end-of-life care and complete their advance directives.”
A panel discussion and Q&As will follow the film screening. Panelists include:
Kuljeet Multani, MD – Board certified Palliative Care and Internal Medicine. She is the medical director of Palliative Care for ValleyCare Health System.
Peter P. Wong, MD – Board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hospice and Palliative Care. He is the Chief Medical Office of Hope Hospice and a medical oncologist at The Regional Cancer Center at ValleyCare Medical Center.
Lisa Krieger – Science/Medicine writer with the San Jose Mercury News/Bay Area News Group. She recently wrote the powerful award-winning nine-part series, “The Cost of Dying.”
Sue Rubin, PhD – Clinical ethicist and co-founder of The Ethics Practice, a firm devoted to providing bioethics education, research and clinical education. She serves as a consulting ethicist for ValleyCare Health System.
Your decisions matter. Join others around the country in making your future healthcare decisions known to your loved ones. Take the first step at Consider the Conversation, and learn how to begin the conversation. Advance directives material will be available during this event.
About Hope Hospice
Hope Hospice is a non-profit, community-based agency that offers compassionate care, insight and guidance during a life-limiting illness. Our patients receive care in their homes or in a facility where they reside so they can live their lives as fully as possible, in comfort and dignity, surrounded by family and friends. For more information visit www.hopehospice.com or call 1-800-HOSPICE.
About ValleyCare Health System
ValleyCare Health System has provided high quality, not-for-profit health care to the Tri-Valley and surrounding communities since 1961. Through highly skilled physicians, nurses and staff, and state-of-the art technology, ValleyCare offers a wide range of health care services at its Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin medical facilities. ValleyCare is not publicly owned or operated, nor is it supported by taxes. ValleyCare reinvests any profits it makes into new services, equipment, and facilities. ValleyCare’s mission is to assume the leadership role for the health of the communities of the Tri-Valley. Visit www.valleycare.com.
About University of San Francisco, Pleasanton Campus
The University of San Francisco’s humanistic tradition views the individual mind and spirit as its most valuable resources. The academic philosophy at USF emphasizes enrichment of personal values, expansion of personal responsibility, and lifelong learning. The USF Pleasanton Campus serves the East Bay and Tri-Valley area.
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