"Conversation of Your Life" - Panel at Bernardsville Library

The "Conversation of Your Life" is the conversation you should have with your family, friends, or doctors to let them understand and respect your end-of-life wishes through advance care planning. Most New Jerseyans want to die at home surrounded by their loved ones, but the reality is that most die in the hospital, surrounded by strangers. We also know that when people are asked about their end-of-life choices, they choose comfort care or limited interventions over extreme ones, but without the "conversation," their family members might not know this.

The panel discussion at Bernardsville Library on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm will present a number of experts who will share their knowledge and experience on the importance of advance care planning and the choices available to us. Panel members will be Dr. Beth Jameson, Professor in the College of Nursing at Seton Hall University; Victor J. Medina from the Medina Law Group; Michael Badolato, Vice President/Director (NJ Lic. 4976) from Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home; and Paul Wry, Director of Sales for Holy Cross Cemetery.

Conversation of Your Life (COYL) is a program of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute's Mayors Wellness Campaign, which aims to bring advance care planning conversations to New Jersey communities. Polling has found that a majority of people feels comfortable discussing end-of life care options, but only a minority has spoken to family members or doctors, or have planning documents in place. The goal of a "conversation of your life" is to inform your family and care givers about your preferencesthis conversation should be part of the journey of life and will help ensure that your wishes are fulfilled.

At the Library program, attendees will receive a "Five Wishes" booklet and information about the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for books on the subject such as "The Conversation" by Angelo E. Volandes, MD, which is recommended by the NJ Health Care Quality Institute.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.