Welcome to Speaking of Dying Minnesota’s Health Care Directive Workshops also known as Living Deeply, Dying Well, workshops where the belief in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care is our focus. Living Deeply, Dying Well workshops are designed to provide education, foster meaningful discussion, and offer practical advice on writing health care directives. Planning for the future and ensuring that your wishes are respected, even in challenging circumstances, is of utmost importance. Using a compassionate approach and expert guidance, we aim to support you in creating a comprehensive and personalized health care directive (HCD) that reflects your values, preferences, and priorities. Join us as we navigate this important journey together, one conversation at a time.

Advance health care directives—also referred to as living wills, advanced care directives, or medical directives—provide instructions for medical care when an individual cannot communicate their own wishes. Speaking of Dying’s Health Care Directive Workshops are designed to provide answers to questions that many people have difficulty clarifying for themselves. Determining what your future health care preferences are and articulating these preferences into a meaningful and precise document can make a significant difference for both you and your loved ones. During these workshops, which are broken up into three or more sessions, we cover the following topics and questions about creating an HCD. 

At Speaking of Dying Health Care Directive Workshops, we understand the importance of selecting a trusted advocate to represent your wishes if you are unable to speak for yourself. The workshops guide participants through the process of identifying a healthcare proxy or surrogate decision-maker who will act on their behalf in medical situations. The qualities to look for in an advocate will be discussed, such as someone who knows your values, respects your wishes, and is willing to communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

In the event of an unexpected accident or illness, having a clear and comprehensive medical directive is essential. At our workshops, various scenarios are addressed that may arise and help participants anticipate their preferences for medical treatment in such circumstances. By exploring different treatment options, including life-sustaining measures, palliative care, and hospice, individuals can make informed decisions about the type of care they want or do not want to receive to facilitate a peaceful death.

Participants at Speaking of Dying Health Care Directive Workshops are encouraged to articulate their preferences for medical treatment based on their values, beliefs, and personal priorities. Discussions are facilitated around topics such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and pain management. By considering these factors and documenting their wishes in a health care directive, individuals can ensure that their medical care aligns with their goals and preferences.

Starting a conversation with loved ones about their health care preferences can be challenging but is essential for ensuring that their wishes are known and respected. Our workshops provide practical tips and strategies for initiating these conversations in a supportive and compassionate manner. Participants are encouraged to approach these discussions with empathy, active listening, and open-mindedness, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and preferences regarding end-of-life care.

Join One of Our Upcoming HCD Workshops in the Twin Cities Metro Area

At Living Deeply, Dying Well Health Care Directive Workshops, a safe place to learn is provided, discuss, and share stories while writing your Advance Health Care Directive. Deciding and sharing who your health care advocate will be will give you peace of mind and remove a burden from your loved ones. Contact us today to sign up for a workshop for yourself or a loved one. Medical professionals who are seeking continuing education on HCD for their patients are welcome. 

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