By Hilary Walker, OT

You are invited to the Orcas Island Senior Center for a hands-on tutorial Monday, Oct. 17, from 1–3 p.m. for step by step instructions in filling out an Advanced Directive/Living Will. This workshop has been extremely popular because participants actually fill out the documents line by line during the class, with opportunities for questions and clarifications from the instructor. Instead of just knowing that this is something we should all take care of, actually get it done in this workshop.

You can visit endoflifewa.org to review the advanced directive form that will be used. Copies will be available for all participants at the workshop. The class price is subsidized by OICF grant funds to allow for broader access and costs only $5 for senior center members and $15 for non-members. Class size is limited, so pre-register at the senior center’s front desk or by calling 376-2677.

Here is a personal note from Hilary Walker:

I have had the honor of facilitating this ongoing discussion with the Orcas community about advanced directives and End of life choices and continue to learn a lot in the process. For those of you who have already completed your advance directive or plan to complete them outside of the classes we are teaching at the senior center, the following information may be useful for you. Both Island Hospital and the Peace Health network will create a “new patient” file for you and will scan your paperwork as a part of that file. Please include your full name, date of birth, address and phone number. Feel free to join us in an upcoming class at the senior center to fill out these important forms together, and thank you, in advance, for taking the time and spreading the word.

Following the completion of your paperwork, be sure to follow these next steps:

Make five copies of your completed, signed and notarized (preferable) advance directive: two for each of your durable power of attorney; one for your primary care doctor; one copy for Island Hospital: ℅ Medical Records 1211 24th St. Anacortes, WA 98221; one copy for Peace Health: ℅ Medical records 2901 Squallicum Parkway Bellingham, WA 98225.