“Advanced planning is an opportunity to begin a conversation with loved ones about the care we want for ourselves as we age, and for those who have made plans, an opportunity to review and perhaps update them,” said Dr. Robert Cohen, SVH Chief Medical officer, and a panel participant.

Topics will include discussion of the newest version of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), a form that gives seriously-ill and medically frail patients more control over their end-of-life care, including medical treatment, extraordinary measures (such as a ventilator or feeding tube) and CPR. Signed by both doctor and patient, POLST can prevent unwanted or ineffective treatments, reduce patient and family suffering, and ensure that a patient’s wishes are honored.

Panelists include Robert Cohen, MD; Elissa DeWolfe, APN, SVH Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse; Teresa Tooker, Provider Relations Liaison with Hospice by the Bay; and Taylor McCandless, MSW from Healing At Home. Jane Hirsch, who serves as 1^st Vice Chair of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District, will moderate.

The sessions will be held Thursday, April 16, from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served. To reserve a space or for more information, call 707.935.5081, or email Elissa DeWolfe at edewolfe@sonomavalleyhospital.org. Vintage House is located at 264 1st St East in Sonoma.