APRIL 16th: ADVANCED CARE PLANNING DAY IN CANADA
March's PCSBV Speaker Series guest was Alexandra Kushliak. Alexandra educates nurses, physicians, long term care and supportive living facilities as well as the general public on advanced care planning. Of note, Alexandra reminded us that Advanced Care Planning Day in Canada is April 16th, and a chance for Canadians to learn more about this important issue. Advanced care planning makes it easier for your family and healthcare providers. It is a critical way to help you plan and document your wishes for the types of healthcare and medical interventions you wish to receive now and in the future. It is for every adult, especially for people with health issues. It is best done when you’re healthy, before there’s actually an urgent need for a plan.
Advanced care planning is not just for seniors, but should be something considered by all people over the age of 18. In Alberta advance care planning includes:
Having a personal directive Having a Goals of Care Designation order, when medically appropriate Using a Green Sleeve to hold and transport advance care planning documents
It can be particularly significant for people who have a chronic illness, more than one disease, are older or may have cognitive impairment. What are the five steps to the advanced care planning process?
Step One, think about your values and goals Step Two, learn about your own health
Step Three, choose someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you can't Step Four, communicate your values with your healthcare providers, family, and loved ones Step Five, document your decisions in a personal directive
A personal directive doesn’t come into effect until you become unable to make your own decisions. You can write a personal directive with or without a lawyer, but a witness can be anyone over the age of 18. A witness cannot be a spouse or partner, or the spouse or partner of your stated agent. Keep the original safe, but it’s important to give copies to your agent, healthcare providers, and family.
What do you write in a personal directive?
Consider writing quality of life statements, and what quality of life means to you. This could include speech, recognition, ability to eat, or even specific wishes for particular illnesses.
What is a Goals of Care Designation Order (GCD)?
A medical order that describes the general focus of your care. This is not necessarily needed by all individuals – this is meant to help when your treatment changes or you have specific medical needs and wishes Helps the healthcare team match your unique values and preferences to care that is most appropriate for you and your healthcare condition. Written by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Ideally created after conversation between you and members of the healthcare team. Recognized in all care settings in Alberta. Changes as your health changes; any doctor can update your GCD order. Advanced care planning documents should be kept in your AHS "Green Sleeve", which is recognized by medical teams in Alberta. The Green Sleeve should only contain the most up to date documents, including your personal directive.
Resources and additional information can be found at conversationsmatter.ca
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