Submitted by Hospice of the Northwest.

Learn the basics of hospice care at the Lopez Island Senior Center on June 1 at 12:45 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of hospice care: the type of support it provides to patients and families, eligibility requirements, how it’s paid for, and how to get started. There are many myths and misconceptions about hospice, so the truth may surprise you! The class is free and open to the public. If you have questions, please contact Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

An end-of-life expert from Hospice of the Northwest will be available to assist people in filling out and completing their advance directives and Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms on Wednesday, June 7 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Orcas Senior Center.

Advance care planning ensures your goals, values and preferences are known — not only at the end of life but if you become unable to communicate those desires due to illness or injury. All documents are provided free of charge.

Research has shown that advance care planning increases the likelihood that healthcare providers and family members will comply with a person’s wishes at the end of life — including their desire to die at home. Advance care planning also reduces the emotional burden and moral distress often experienced by family members making healthcare decisions for a loved one. Please RSVP to Talon Windwalker at 360-720-5212. Walk-ins are also accepted.