The majority of people, 98%, wish to arrange their affairs to live well in their later years, and ensure that their end-of-life plans follow their wishes. Still, it is something that many people find challenging. Only 23% follow through with documenting and sharing those plans with their loved ones to carry out those wishes. Planning AHEAD is a course from UW-Madison Division of Extension, that takes a comprehensive approach to end-of-life planning. In seven, 1-hour classes, Extension educators guide participants through examining health care wishes, handling financial changes, legal requirements and documentation, distribution of personal property, end-of-life decisions, dealing with grief, and the emotional ramifications of all of the above. The program is designed for people of all ages, both for those who want to prepare for their own passing, to make things easier/clearer for family/loved ones, and for those who have, or are in the process of, losing a loved one and are dealing with the transition. This course is not only available to those experiencing a serious illness, but is also for anyone who feels they would like to plan for the inevitable and share a concrete direction regarding their wishes. The
course features a planning workbook to help define and organize the tasks and documents associated with end-of-life decisions. By working through these sessions, participants find that the financial/healthcare definitions, the question-answer format, helps to make these tasks less overwhelming and stressful. Local speaker/experts on topics will be provided as a resource. Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Winnebago County residents are invited to join an in-person course, Planning AHEAD, co-facilitated by Carol Bralich, Fond du Lac County Extension. Workbooks, course, and refreshments will be provided by Green Lake County Extension and Ripon Public Library. Materials cost generously covered by Ripon Friends of the Library. Please register by May 29. Questions can be sent to:
Jemischler@wisc.edu or please call 920-294-4039 for more information about Planning AHEAD. Check out the program website at https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/programs/planning-ahead/.
