Hope Hospice Offering Free Screening of End-of-Life Documentary

Article submitted by Hope Hospice—

The greatest gift you can give your family is to have open and honest conversations surrounding your wishes about medical treatments as your health declines. 

Although many people avoid end-of-life discussions, taking proactive steps can help keep you and your loved ones from being blindsided when a medical emergency may occur. The key is having these conversations when you are healthy enough to have them – not when you are  experiencing a health crisis.

To help community members start the conversation, Hope Hospice is sponsoring a film screening of the documentary, Consider the Conversation, followed by a panel discussion by medical and communication experts. 

This free, thought-provoking event will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at Heritage Estates, 900 East Stanley Blvd., Livermore from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. To make a reservation, call (925) 373-3636.

Consider the Conversation highlights the American struggle with communication and preparation for the end of life. “This film inspires and empowers people to make their wishes known,” says Victoria Emmons, Hope Hospice CEO. “Hope Hospice is actively participating in 

The Conversation Project, a nationwide effort that is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. This screening is one of several events we are devoting to this important project.”

According to the California HealthCare Foundation, 82 percent of Californians surveyed said it is important to put their wishes in writing – only 23 percent have actually done it.

Advance directives give individuals control over the health care they receive and the ability to name an “agent” to speak for them if they cannot speak for themselves. 

“It is our hope that the community will take to heart the message of this film and speak to their loved ones about their wishes for end-of-life care and complete their advance directives,” adds Emmons.

A panel discussion and Q&As will follow the film screening. 

Panelists include:

• Kuljeet Multani, MD - Board certified in palliative care and internal medicine. She is an associate medical director at Hope Hospice.

• Ann Felter, MSW, LCSW – Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care at Hope Hospice. In her work, she has guided many patients and families in discussions about end of life decisions. 

• Dara Burke, RN, CHPN – Certified hospice and palliative care nurse. She has worked in nursing for 35 years, 14 of which have been with Hope Hospice where she is a nurse case manager. 

• William Harvey – Certified financial planner with Spectrum Wealth partners. He is a member of the Hope Hospice Board of Directors. 

Your decisions matter. Join others around the country in making your future healthcare decisions known to your loved ones. Take the first step at Consider the Conversation, and learn how to begin the conversation. Advance directives material will be available during this event.