Advance Care Planning
What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?
If you were to become seriously ill, would the people who care most about you know your wishes for health care in the event of a serious medical emergency? Advance Care Planning is a process that enables you to make decisions now about the care you would or would not want in the event of a medical crisis.
Communicating your healthcare decisions is the kindest thing you can do for your loved ones, and ensures that a plan is in place should you be unable to speak for yourself. First responders and your healthcare providers also want to know and understand your health care goals in order to provide the care you want, while avoiding more complex medical procedures that you prefer not to receive.
Thinking about who you know well and trust to make health care decisions for you, in the event you are unable to indicate your own health care preferences.
Documenting those wishes by completing a legally acceptable Advance Health Care Directive form, indicating the names of your agent/s and your healthcare wishes.
Critical Elements
Having a conversation with that person, assuring their willingness to accept this responsibility.
Making instructions specific, so that everyone is perfectly clear about what you want. For example, you will indicate when you would want life-sustaining treatments (such as being on a ventilator) and when you would not want those measures to be instituted.
Considering your wishes for the care you want, as well as the care you do not want provided to you during a medical emergency.
Having your signature on the Advance Health Care Directive witnessed by a Notary or two others who meet the witness criteria.
Next Steps
Make sure you have copies of the document and give them to:
Cottage Health - ACP Department, Healthcare agent/s, Primary Care Physician and Specialist/s, Family, and Attorney
Be sure to always keep the original in your possession in your home.
If you travel, it is suggested that you take a copy with you, in the event of an unexpected medical emergency.
Get It Done SB is here to help you with your Advance Directive:
If you have questions about the Health Care Directive, want a copy of the form, or need instructions regarding witness requirements, GIDSB is here to meet those needs.
Get it Done Santa Barbara (GIDSB) and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) have trained English and Spanish speaking volunteers who can assist you by phone or in-person as well as with group presentations. If you live in a community and would like a presentation for yourself and others - please call the office to schedule a presentation.
Contact Us!
(805) 563-8820
info@hospiceofsb.org
Spanish Speakers Available
2050 Alameda Padre Serra
Suite 100
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
www.getitdonesb.org
www.miregalo.org