given by those surveyed include: feeling
uncomfortable with the subject matter, too
busy, it is “not the right time because no one
is sick,” not wanting to upset or scare a fam-
ily member, and finally, not wanting to think
about death.
“The purpose of the program is to help
remove the taboo that often exists when
talking about end-of-life care by bringing
the conversation to the community,” said
Angela Sullivan, executive director at SAGE
Eldercare. “The Your Decisions Matter initia-
tive is aware of various cultures and beliefs
and recognizes that all wishes are not alike,
but all are respected. The workshops will be a
safe place for making those wishes known.”
The intent of the program is not only to
give guidance and support but to do so in
a safe and informal atmosphere such as at
a coffee house, movie screening, house of
worship, panel discussion or other com-
munity event. Additionally,
Your Decisions Matter will
provide information at
these events on relevant
topics such as advanced
directives, palliative care
and hospice care, as well
as follow up with all par-
ticipants with additional
help and resources.
“When someone attends a Your Decisions
Matter workshop, they will receive a starter
kit with valuable tools to help them begin
talking to family members about end-of-life
decision making,” said Project Coordinator,
Nina Tiger. “They will also share experi-
ences and connect with other people in
their community, learn about advance care
planning and, most importantly, gain a valu-
able resource that they can turn to again
and again.”
L-R: Joan Beloff, Chilton
Foundation; Stephen Kass,
chair of Chilton Community
Advisory Board; Nina Tiger,
SAGE; Yvette Vieira, Palliative
Care/Bioethics at Atlantic
Health System; Stephanie
Schwartz, president, Chilton
Medical Center; and Angela
Sullivan, SAGE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUR DECISIONS MATTER PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT
WWW.SAGEELDERCARE.ORG/SERVICES/YOURDECISIONSMATTER.
CHILTON MAGAZINE HOLIDAY 2019