Annual RWC Workshop Focuses on Planning for the Future

Voyages Program on April 16 Recognizes National Healthcare Decisions Day  

For the 16th consecutive year, Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury will recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day with its popular Voyages Workshop, this year to be held 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 16.

Focusing on the planning decisions we need to make as we age, this workshop is free and open to the public. “Last year’s event was so successful, that we have brought back the same speakers and workshop leaders for 2018,” said RWC Coordinator of Resident Life Services Maria Ferrand, who is a presenter.

Director of Social Services Alice Coates and RWC Chaplain Rev. Greg Houck, along with Cynthia Barrick from Riverside Hospice and Paul Welch with Welch Funeral Home, also will present information and questions to consider to ensure affairs are put in order.

“Voyages was designed to create awareness and discuss advance care planning choices regarding legal, medical, social and spiritual issues,” Houck said. “We all face these choices, but it becomes even more important as we age. This setting provides the group an opportunity for an intimate discussion about these often difficult to talk about topics.”

The workshop, to be held in the Chesapeake Center Auditorium on RWC’s campus, 132 Lancaster Dr., Irvington, includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch. However, reservations are required by April 11 by calling RWC at 438-4000.

Workshop participants leave with a binder of information, a copy of the presentations, back-up materials and a bibliography of resources – books, websites, etc., with more details.

“We try to make it as interactive as we can,” Coates said. “But it’s important that we convey the message that it always seems too early until it’s too late. You need to plan in advance before the crisis hits and think about what kind of medical care and treatment you want and then communicate that to your family and caregivers.”