Introducing MyCare, the new Advance Healthcare Directive for South Santa Barbara County

MyCare serves as the legal document for health decisions that becomes part of the patient’s medical record at Cottage Health. Everyone, at any age, is encouraged to complete and submit the MyCare document.

Downloading and filling out your MyCare document is free of charge.

For many of us, having a discussion about the type of medical care we would like to receive is not something that happens easily or quickly. We want to create a safe and open environment for the conversation with a loved one or friend that we trust, who will listen openly and answer honestly.

It may seem uncomfortable to bring up the subject of our medical care preferences in case of a medical emergency with loved ones, yet it is probably more important now than ever before, that we have this serious conversation. It does not have to be a scary experience, if one is prepared and thoughtful about how the subject is introduced and the discussion pursued.

Introduce the subject of Advance Healthcare Directives as a way of preparing ahead of time, for those actions you want to be taken (or not), in the event of a sudden unexpected illness or medical emergency. It’s time for discussions about who you want to be your spokesperson (Health Care Agent) if ever you are unable to communicate your wishes. Make sure that the person agrees to accept this responsibility before adding that name to the document.

There are deep, personal issues to review before completing an Advance Healthcare Directive.  Self-examination of the following topics would be helpful before sitting down to actually complete the document, after having had one or more conversations with a trusted family member or friend.

  • What are the kinds of treatment that I want or don’t want (e.g. CPR, Ventilator, Artificial nutrition)?

  • Where do I want to be during unexpected medical emergencies (home, hospital, nursing home, etc)?

  • When might I want to shift the focus of care from a curative to a comfort-focused process?

 

NOTE: If you've previously completed a Five Wishes or other Advance Care document, it remains legal and valid and no changes are required unless your wishes have changed. You should revisit (or review) your Advance Directive periodically, and most especially if you have any changes, such as:

  • A change of condition

  • A new diagnosis

  • A change in your living environment

  • You have been recently hospitalized

  • You have a change in your wishes

If you wish to make a change in your health care agent or your choice of treatment options, then a new Directive should be completed.

Please complete the following steps to finalize your MyCare Process. Visit the MyCare PDF for more information.

A) Fill out the form and print.  

B) Have the document signed by two witnesses or notarized.

C) Deliver documents (mail or deliver) to Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic, or any other health care providers you may have.

D) Provide copies to your loved ones.

*MyCare is not the only version of the document that is available, rather the one encouraged in South Santa Barbara County for uniform use.

For a Hard Copy of the MyCare Directive please contact Adriana Marroquin with Hospice of Santa Barbara:

CommunityACP@hospiceofsb.org
(805) 563-8820