The Decision Support Service will host the first advance planning event 'Why you need to plan ahead and how to get started!' in the Hodson Bay Hotel on November 30.
The event will focus on the practical steps required to plan by creating an Enduring Power of Attorney and making an Advance Healthcare Directive.
At different times in our lives, important decisions need to be made. Important decisions are made about personal welfare, finances, property and financial affairs. There may come a time in the future where you are unable, or lack decision-making capacity, to make decisions for yourself.
Planning is important for your peace of mind, but also for your loved ones. It allows you and those around you time to get to know and understand your wishes for the future.
Deciding to make an enduring power of attorney, or an EPA for short, is an important decision. An EPA is a legally recognised arrangement that lets you plan for a time when you may be unable to make certain decisions for yourself. It lets you set out the types of decisions you may need help with and appoint someone you know and trust to make them on your behalf. The person you appoint is called your attorney. The attorney’s role is to act on your behalf to make certain decisions if you are unable to in the future.
The in-person event will provide those attending with the guidance and knowledge to plan ahead and take them through the practical steps to begin their advance planning journey. The event will also outline what an advance healthcare directive is and help people understand how to set out their wishes in relation to healthcare treatment decisions and when it comes into effect.
As part of the event people will hear from the inspirational speaker Charlie Fogarty MBE who will tell his personal story of his pathway to healing following a serious accident and the importance of planning ahead at any age. The attendees will also hear from the Decision Support Service Director Áine Flynn who will explain the new legislation and the need for advance planning and Mental Health Commission Chief Executive John Farrelly who will outline the role of the Decision Support Service.
Participants on the day can meet the staff of the Decision Support Service, open their own MyDSS account and take the first steps in creating an EPA. All are encouraged, if they wish, to bring their laptops and tablets for demonstrations on how to access the services of the Decision Support Service on their own devices.
Places are filling up so early registration is essential. For more information and how to register visit decisionsupportservice.ie
