On October 26th, the WHI Advance Care Planning Work Group sponsored a film screening and panel at the Michigan Theater, hosted by Arbor Hospice.
The film, Being Mortal, documents Dr. Atul Gawande’s exploration of the practice of caring for the dying and their relationships with the doctors, nurses and family members who care for them.
The film was followed by a panel, moderated by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who reflected on her own experiences with Advance Care Planning with her husband, former US House of Representatives Member, John Dingell. Panelists included Dr. Thomas O’Neil, Arbor Hospice medical director; Khristian Smith-Speelman, Arbor Hospice volunteer and community counselor; Merilynne Rush, Respecting Choices advanced care planning facilitator and Death Cafe Ann Arbor organizer; Beth Spencer, LMSW at Turner Geriatric Center; and, Dr. Genevieve Stewart, medical director for palliative care at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
The event also highlighted the conversation guide “Making Your Healthcare Wishes Known,” developed by the WHI Advance Care Planning Work Group. The guide provides information about having conversations with loved ones and medical staff about your healthcare wishes, and provides information about documenting directives.