NILES — The Niles District Library will host an informational program about how to create an advanced care plan. 

The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Niles District Library. The event is free and open to adults 18 and up.

Caryn Adler, the adult services team member at the Niles District Library, will lead the program. She will teach those who attend how to start a conversation with their family so that they can begin creating a plan. Adler said having one’s wishes made known before tragedy strikes, can provide a sense of relief to the individual and to their family.

“You’re young. You’re healthy. You go out and meet up with friends or you are driving home from work or school, then the unthinkable happens,” Adler said. “What would you want done if your heart would stop beating or you were unable to breathe on your own? What quality of life would you want to have?”

She encouraged people to also make sure that they have properly updated their paperwork to reflect their current needs and wishes. 

“You may have gone through papers with an attorney already. But when was the last time you updated them? Are the needs or desires that you have specified still the same? How has your life, wants, or perspective changed since naming your Health Care Advocate?” Adler said. “These are the situations that Advance Care Planning is here to help you prepare for. Give your loved ones the gift of knowing what your wishes are before they have been put into one of these situations.”

For more information about the program contact Julie Griffin at (269)983-8166.