Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital hosting Emerald Circle event on Advance Care Planning

Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) is hosting an Emerald Circle event on the topic of Advance Care Planning, entitled “Establishing Your Preferences for Healthcare.” Attendees will learn important information regarding the proactive steps necessary for advance care planning.

The free program is scheduled for Wednesday, April, 10, from 1-2 p.m. at NCH Auditorium, 800 Central Road, Arlington Heights. To attend, register online at nch.org/events, or call (847) 618-5575.

Presented by Lindsay Emalfarb, LCSW, medical social worker, Palliative Care, participants will learn the steps needed for advance care planning. While advance care planning seems like a difficult discussion, imagine the alternative which leaves family members struggling to make critical health care decisions for loved ones. This is a great opportunity to prepare for care and make sure individuals receive the type of care they want, even when others are making medical decisions for them.

This important program falls ahead of National Healthcare Decision Day (April 16), a nationwide initiative which encourages adults of all ages to plan ahead of a health crisis. By making health care decisions ahead of time, individuals enable their caregivers to advocate for them when they are unable to do so for themselves, should they become seriously ill.

“We are excited to share important information with the older adults in our community who may have concerns about planning ahead of a potential health crisis and answer any questions they may have,” said Gayle Young, Senior Service Specialist at NCH. “ This program covers very basic information and can help people get the conversation started on this important topic.”

NCH’s Emerald Circle is open to individuals ages 62 and older, and membership is free. Benefits include exclusive invitations to physician lectures, social events, activities and more; billing hotline for questions or concerns about NCH or Medical Group bills; discounts at the Oasis Café, hospital gift shop and Wellness Center; and the Emerald Circle e-newsletter.

To join, visit nch.org/emeraldcircle. Emerald Circle invitations, announcements and newsletters will be sent via email. For more information, contact Gayle Young, Senior Services specialist, at gyoung@nch.org.