Get the facts on advance health-care directives

In recognition of National Healthcare Decision Day on Wednesday, Sherman Hospital social workers will provide information on advance directives to the community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of the hospital, 934 Center St. in Elgin.

Advance directive forms will be available for those who are interested.

An advanced directive is a written statement, completed in advance of serious illness, about how a patient wants medical decisions made. The two most common forms of advance directives are the living will and durable power of attorney for health care. To access advance directive information on the Sherman Web site. Visit www.shermanhealth.com/ hospital_patients.php.

To receive additional information about advance directives during a hospital stay or to obtain the proper forms, call the Social Services Department at (847) 429-8706.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding future health care if they become unable to speak for themselves -- through advance directives -- and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.

For more information, contact Michelle Howe, Marketing Specialist, Sherman Health, (847) 429-8427, michelle.howe @shermanhospital.org.