PLAN NOW FOR UNEXPECTED Health Issues

​Advance care planning is as simple as a 2-step process where you discuss, plan and document your wishes for the health care you want to receive now and in the future. 

STEP ONE - Contemplate YOUR ALTERNATIVES

In this step think about your future care, discussing things with family and friends. Figure out what is important to you. ​Compassionate Alberta has produced My Wishes Alberta Workbook,  adapted by the Palliative Institute from the Coming Full Circle booklet (created by Canadian Virtual Hospice and a national Indigenous Elders Circle), to help you identify your values and priorities with regards to health care.

STEP TWO - CREATE AND STORE YOUR DOCUMENTS WHERE THEY CAN BE EASILY FOUND

Next, document your decisions. Store your documents in a place where people can easily find them. It includes creating any of the following documents depending on your health situation: 

• Personal directive – a "must-have" legal document for every Albertan over 18 years of age that records who you want to make decisions for you if you are unable. Learn more.
• Goals of Care Designation order – a set of instructions given to the health care team involved in your care that must be followed. Learn about Goals of Care Designation orders from Alberta Health Services.
• Tracking record – a document that your health care providers use to record the conversations that you have about advance care planning. This information is useful to people caring for you. 

In Alberta, these important documents should be placed in a plastic folder called a Green Sleeve. You can get a green sleeve from your family physician or hospital. You should keep it on top of or attached to the side of your refrigerator for easy access by trained health care and emergency services providers.  Learn more about tracking records and Green Sleeve from Alberta Health Services or Compassionate Alberta.
Source: Compassionate Alberta (​https://compassionatealberta.ca/) and Alberta Health Services. 
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More information

More resources from Compassionate Alberta
Advance care planning – Alberta Health Services
​Speak Up: Advance Care Planning Workbook An online interactive workbook from Advance Care Planning Canada that has the necessary information to guide you through the steps of creating your individualized plan. Workbooks are downloadable for sharing your plan with others.