Pictured is a green sleeve, which Alberta Health Services offers to residents to carry advance care planning documents in. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

boosting awareness

Rocky Mountain House advocates hosting webinars on advance care planning

Jun 17, 2021 | 12:15 PM

Community advocates in the Rocky Mountain House area hope to boost awareness of advance care planning as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down.

Michele King, founder of The Last Gift, an end of life doula service, says the pandemic has brought the subject of advance care planning to the forefront with many people getting sick quickly.

“Globally, doctors and healthcare providers are really trying to bring this home,” says King. “There’s never been a time when there’s been so much put out there about this subject. There are numerous organizations in Canada and North America that have resources online about advance care planning, and there are webinars put on. This is a very serious thing that people should deal with.”

As King explains, advance care planning is an umbrella term for a long-term ongoing process which encourages people to reflect upon their values while able, and how they influence the medical and non-medical choices a person wants made about future situations they may be in.

King adds that advance care planning can reduce arguments and guilt among loved ones because they’ll know what you want. That, in turn, reduces stress on health care providers.

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“We often think our kids know what we want, but that means nothing until it’s on paper and signed,” says Arlene Como, Seniors Social Needs Coordinator in Clearwater County.

“A lot of people don’t even begin to do any of this until they’re ill and already sitting at a doctor’s office with a dire diagnosis. That’s when the doctor will suggest getting your paperwork in order.”

Como insists advance care planning is wholly appropriate for anyone 18 years of age and older.

According to a 2019 study commissioned by Speak Up Canada and conducted by Nanos Research, eight in 10 Canadians said they believe advance care planning is important, yet only one in five said they had an advance care plan.

Como shares there are webinars being hosted between now and October. Attendees living in Clearwater County/Rocky Mountain House and who are 50+, are eligible for gift card prizes to Evergreen Co-Op, sponsored by Asokewin Friendship Centre. Attendees do not have to speak during the webinar.

Dates are to be determined based on registration. To find out more, contact Arlene Como at 403-845-5339 or ssncoordinator@mrwsa.net. In-person workshops will also be planned once COVID-19 restrictions are loosened.

Meantime, King recommends those doing advance care planning to take advantage of Alberta Health Services’ green sleeve program.

A green sleeve is like a medical passport, AHS notes on its website, and is a plastic pocket to carry advance care planning documents in.

These can be obtained at various locations including the Rocky Medical Clinic, Rocky Health Centre, Caroline & District Volunteer Ambulance Service, Caroline Library, and Caroline Neighbourhood Place.

“Advance care planning is not something you can take care of over the weekend,” King says.

“Doing this gives one peace of mind, and comfort knowing you have everything covered and documented in case something happens. It gives you control over your care and ensures you get the care you want.”

For more information about advance care planning, visit www.dyingwithdignity.ca.