Council on Aging Offers Support, Opportunities for End-of-Life Planning

The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) is dedicated to keeping older adults in Cambridge engaged, included, and independent. This mission extends to end of life planning, and COA will offer several opportunities to support seniors in making decisions and plans related to life transitions.

“At COA, we celebrate the positive aspects of growing older, and planning ahead is a way for older adults to maintain their autonomy and dignity,” says Susan Pacheco, Director of the Cambridge Council on Aging. “When we proactively share our end-of-life wishes and talk openly together about life transitions, we can alleviate anxieties and preserve our independence in decision-making.”

Cambridge residents ages 60 and older are invited to participate in the following opportunities:

Attend the Conversation Project event, Thursday, May 25, 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave. p.m. This event will focus on planning for end-of-life care. When we proactively share our end-of-life wishes, it empowers us to preserve our independence and support our loved ones during the grieving process. No registration required.

Register for the “Creating a Life Transition Binder” series. This 4-part series guides participants in compiling a Life Transition Binder, with the goal of having crucial information organized in one place for family members if a person becomes incapacitated. Binder components will include information related to properties, finances, investments, insurance, medical wishes, and funeral wishes.

Classes will be held June 1, June 8, June 15, and June 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.). The cost to participate is $5 and space is limited. Participants must register in advance and be able to attend all 4 classes. To register, contact Alicia Johnson at aliciaj@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6220.

Book discussion of “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. Join a book discussion, moderated by COA Director Susan Pacheco, that will focus on surgeon Atul Gawande’s reflections and personal stories related to end-of-life care, medical care, and wellbeing. Limited copies of the book are available. Registration is required. To register, contact Susan Pacheco at spacheco@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6224.

Basics of Estate Planning Event, Tuesday, June 27, 1-3 p.m., Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.). Do you have a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy or HIPAA Authorization in place? Do you know what those documents are? Attend this information session presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association to learn the basics of estate planning and how to avoid a crisis for your family.

Registration is not required. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Vincent McCarthy at vmccarthy@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6216.

For more information about COA programming and resources, visit www.cambridgema.gov/CouncilonAging or call 617-349-6220.