AUBURN — The Auburn Public Library and Lewiston-Auburn Senior College will continue the Curious Minds Lecture Series when it presents “Endings Matter: Advanced Care Planning.” 

Katherine Amsden, an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker and LCSWD, will lead the discussion at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at the Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St.

Amsden’s abbreviated presentation shows how to ensure the highest quality of life and how to navigate complex medical decisions as life’s end nears. Her goal is to support and encourage participants to reaching a more certain determination of their healthcare wishes for their final years.

Amsden began her work at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice in 2012 as a Palliative Care Social Worker providing services in both the hospital and home setting. She is now the coordinator of the Palliative Care Program and on a mission to expand the reach of palliative care services in the community.

Palliative care, which seeks to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, is a specialized medical care. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support.

The Curious Minds Lecture series is a joint partnership with the Lewiston-Auburn Senior College. The partnership brings several speakers on a wide variety of topics.

To find out more about the Senior College, visit usm.maine.edu/seniorcollege or attend one of the lectures. All of the lectures are free to the public.

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