FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/10/2023

Greencastle, Indiana.  All adults should have a legally designated healthcare representative to make healthcare decisions for them should they become unable to speak or make decisions for themselves in the future.  This is not just for older adults.  Anyone may suffer an accident or an unexpected health crisis.  Representatives may also be able to provide advocacy, support, and a second set of ears when serious or multiple illnesses are involved.

Identifying a legal healthcare representative is an important step.  However, equally important is sharing your thoughts and wishes with your healthcare representative, and sometimes it can feel uncomfortable introducing these conversations. 

Below are a couple of ideas that might help you get started: 

• "I need your help with something."
• "Can you and I have a conversation about my advance healthcare directives?"
• "I was thinking about what happened to _________, and it made me think about my own wishes. Will you help me think about them?”           
• "Even though I'm OK right now, I'm worried that I could develop a health issue, and I want to be prepared. Can we talk about some things that matter to me?"
• "Will you help me think about my future?"
• "I have an advance directive in my Vital Medical Information File, and answered some of the questions about things that matter to me when it comes to my own healthcare through the end of life. Can we talk about it?"

To access a free advance healthcare directive visit the PCHPCA website at https://pchpca.org/images/pdf/3_IN_Advance-Directive-PREPARE_English.pdf or the Indiana Department of Health website at https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/indiana-health-care-quality-resource-center/advance-directives-resource-center/.

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) seeks to enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill, their loved ones, and caregivers, by educating the Putnam County community about the benefits of hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning.   PCHPCA is a nonprofit, public charity, and operates with the help of donations, financial support from the Putnam County Community Foundation, and fiscal sponsorship by the Putnam County Hospital. For more information contact Elaine Peck, Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.pchpca.org.

Contact information:
M. Elaine Peck, Director
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association
1542 South Bloomington Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.