Imagine you or a loved one suddenly faces a health crisis. Decisions need to be made quickly, but without the right documents in place, the process can be overwhelming and stressful.
To help the community prepare for such situations, FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, part of FirstHealth of the Carolinas, is hosting two Advance Health Care Planning Events where community members can get their health care power of attorney and living will documents notarized at no cost.
Two events are available, and both offer the same services. The first is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at FirstHealth Hospice, 251 Campground Rd. in West End. The second is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at the FirstHealth Cancer Center, 135 Page Rd. N. in Pinehurst.
“Having a health care power of attorney and a living will is crucial for ensuring that your medical wishes are respected, especially in situations where you might not be able to communicate them yourself,” said Timothy Beittel, M.D., FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care medical director. “These documents not only provide clarity and direction for your loved ones but also help prevent unnecessary stress and conflict during difficult times.”
What is a Health Care Power of Attorney?
A health care power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint a trusted person (health care agent) to make medical decisions on their behalf when they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their preferences. This ensures that the individual’s medical care aligns with their values and wishes.
What is a Living Will?
An advance directive for a natural death, also called a living will, is a legal document that outlines a person’s desires about medical treatment in circumstances where they are no longer able to express informed consent. It specifies the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures they do or do not want and can help guide a health care agent’s decisions for their loved one’s health care.
Preparing for Advance Health Care Planning Day
People wishing to attend one of the Advance Health Care Planning Events should visit firsthealth.com/advancedirectives to download and print the health care power of attorney and living will documents. The website also contains videos explaining the documents.
On event day, participants should bring a valid photo ID and their completed but unsigned health care power of attorney and living will documents. Participants will sign the documents before a notary and two witnesses. Blank documents will be available if needed, and FirstHealth staff members will be on-site for questions.
“FirstHealth of the Carolinas is dedicated to caring for people in all aspects of their health care,” said Dr. Beittel. “By offering this free notarization event, we aim to support people as they make informed and empowered decisions about their medical treatments.”
For more information, please call FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care at (910) 715-6000.
Contributed by FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
