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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120 |
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March 7, 2008 |
Planning Ahead Key Message of SMH´s Eldercare Conference
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| PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- Having confidence in the wellbeing of aging parents, and knowing their long-term care needs are being met, are key concerns for 19 million Americans. According to U.S. News & World Report, the struggle is to find the right balance between providing parents the assistance they need with the independence they desire. Helping families to find that balance is the goal of Speare Memorial Hospital´s Eldercare: Conference for Families and Older Adults |
| Being presented in partnership with Apria Healthcare, Genesis Healthcare and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, the conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the Common Man Inn in Plymouth. Lisa Morris, executive director of the Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health will deliver the keynote address "Planning Ahead: The Key to Healthy Aging." She will be followed by a panel discussion on key issues including Hospice, Medicaid/Medicare, Mental health, social worker/discharge planning and skilled and acute care rehabilitation. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit with central New Hampshire service providers throughout the morning. The conference is free, but advance registration is required. Contact SMH´s Office of Community Relations at (603) 238-6468 or via email to mhutchins@spearehospital.com with the names of the people planning to attend. |
| “All too often we have patients who are ready to be discharged, but can no longer live home alone,” explains SMH’s Director of Social Services Kath Wieliczko. “It is extremely overwhelming for families to realize their choices may be limited based on what’s available now. By having families work together to learn what resources are available to them in advance, they are better able weigh different options and plan for long-term care contingencies. Connecting families with available resources is what this conference is all about.” |
| Begin the discussion on advance care and long-term planning with your family. Know what resources are available and how to access them by attending Speare Memorial Hospital’s Eldercare: Conference for Families and Older Adults on Saturday, March 15. |
| Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth, and the communities of central New Hampshire, for more than a century. |
| Michele Barney Hutchins Director of Community Relations Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 238-6468 mhutchins@spearehospital.com |