MINOT—Trinity Health’s pastoral care team will host a healthcare directive drive October 27 to assist people who would like to complete an advance healthcare directive.
A healthcare directive, also known as a living will, is a written legal document that allows people to state preferences about life-prolonging treatments and other forms of end-of-life care. It also lets someone appoint an individual to make healthcare decisions for them if they are incapacitated.
The come-and-go event, scheduled during National Pastoral Care Week, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the south entrance of Trinity Hospital. On hand will be chaplains and other professionals to answer questions, offer free assistance, and guide community members as they fill out their directives. Notaries also will be available to witness the signatures and complete the process.
“A healthcare directive is a gift you can give your family that provides direction on your medical wishes and alleviates fear, guilt, uncertainty and sometimes anger during intense situations where emotions run high,” said Fr. Sylvester Onyeachonam, director of Trinity’s pastoral care team.
Participants are encouraged to download the healthcare directive form and partially complete it prior to the event. It’s also recommended that an individual’s designated power of attorney accompany them to the event since the designee must sign the directive. Forms are available by visiting Trinity Health’s website at trinityhealth.org/patients-visitors/healthcare-directives