Thinking Ahead - The Importance of End of Life Planning

Thinking Ahead: The Importance of Advanced Planning. Thinking Ahead workbook and DVD advanced planning materials provide a mechanism for personal decision making by persons with developmental disabilities and community members regarding their health care treatment preferences and related issues at the end-of-life. Judy Citko, Executive Director of the California Coalition for Compassionate Care explains how Thinking Ahead, including a self-guided workbook using plain language and contextual graphics along with an instructional DVD, help bridge the gap between the disability community and health care professionals by giving voice to decisions regarding end-of life care and final wishes. Krisi Franzone recounts the recent loss of her husband and how significant end-of-life decisions and advance planning can assist all individuals, those with disabilities and without, to be more in control.

TheThinking Ahead project was completed by the Board Resource Center in collaboration with the California Compassionate Care Coalition, Department of Developmental Services Consumer Advisory Committee and three California regional centers (Alta California, Golden Gate, and Eastern Los Angeles) through a Wellness Grant from the California Department of Developmental Services.

The Board Resource Center is about Making Complex Ideas Simple. We adapt complicated written materials and/or difficult-to-understand ideas to develop meaningful tools and trainings that can benefit a range of participants. Specializing in organizational development, community partnerships, facilitation and multi-media products, our work creates avenues for people with diverse abilities to live quality lives and contribute to their communities. BRC training and publication methods include use of plain language, innovative graphic design, coaching and community engagement. All our efforts reflect a customized approach to meet the needs and interests of individuals, organizations and government entities we serve. For more information, visit our website at www.brcenter.org and click on Library to view and download presentations, publications and videos BRC has developed over the past eleven years.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Disabilities
• self-determination
• end of life planning
• advance directive
• board resource center
• polst