Completing an Advance Healthcare Directive doesn’t take much effort but many people have excuses for not completing or updating theirs. Do any of these reasons sound familiar?

1. My pen ran out of ink
2. I plan to live a long time
3. My relatives will figure it all out
4. I’m too busy
5. I don’t like talking about this subject or even thinking about it

If you haven’t completed a directive, you’re not alone. According to a study conducted in late 2011 by the California Healthcare Foundation, while 82% of Californians say it’s important to have end of life care wishes in writing, only 23% say they have done so.  An Advance Healthcare Directive is a very simple form that can be completed quickly and it gives you a chance to make your wishes known.  This way your loved ones don’t have guess about how to handle tough decisions related to your health. You get the peace of mind that they are following your guidance and they don’t have to worry whether they’ve made the right decisions.

We think this is so important that we’re offering free, 30-minute Advance Healthcare Planning Sessions throughout the county in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16). We will assist you in updating or completing your Advance Healthcare Directive.

Santa Cruz
Monday, April 14, 2 - 4  p.m. – Dominican Oaks, Oaks Room, 4300 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz
Tuesday, April 15, 1 - 3 p.m. – Garfield Park Village, Scott Hall, 721 Bay Street, Santa Cruz

Watsonville
Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Senior Circle Room, Watsonville Community Hospital

Scotts Valley
Friday, April 18, 1 - 3 p.m. – Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Road, Scotts Valley

Aptos 
Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos