Thursday marks Senior Information Day, one of the largest events of the year for the Shawano County Aging Unit, which serves the purpose of helping seniors learn to advocate for themselves. Director of the aging unit, Heidi Russel, says it’s an opportunity for seniors to learn how to take control of their end of life care.
“This year the topic we’re addressing is getting your ducks in a row and talking about advanced planning, end of life care and the do not resuscitate orders, as well as watching the video Consider the Conversation” she said.
The video shown will discuss the importance of having those difficult conversations with loved ones about how to approach end of life care. Russel says that 90 percent of people say that talking with loved ones about end of life care is important, but only 27 percent of people do.
“In my professional career as a social worker, it happens so often that I will be in a hospital room, someone will be seriously ill in the bed and the family will all be standing there having no idea what this person wants” Russel said.
The video was created by a pair of Wisconsinites and has won several awards for documentaries. The Senior Information Day is held from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Shawano Civic Center. Reservations are appreciated ahead of time.