Advanced Care Planning
The COVID-19 pandemic makes it very clear that we are all in this together. One important action you can take right now to support our community during this crisis is to make a plan for your medical care. You also need to know what family members and loved ones want. Everyone over the age of 18 needs their own Advance Health Care Directive.
Even as we respond to the Stay-at-Home order and do everything we can to keep ourselves and loved ones safe, the possibility of becoming seriously ill is a very real concern. If you do become ill, having an advance care plan will help you, your family, friends, and medical providers make critical decisions. This is more important than ever should you need care in a busy, potentially overwhelmed hospital where family and friends may not be able to accompany you.
What does it mean to make a plan for your care? At minimum:
- Complete an Advance Health Care Directive
- Name the person who will speak for you
- Make sure your family and medical providers have a copy
Completing the Advance Health Care Directive form is likely to lead to some soul searching on your part to identify what matters to you. Talk about this with the important people in your life: the person you name as your advocate, your loved ones and your doctor, when possible. They need to know what you want before a medical crisis develops.
Resources to Help
Advance Health Care Directive Resources
Making a Medical Plan During COVID-19
Advance Health Care Directive form (downloadable form in English and Spanish, and other languages)
Advance Care Planning Conversation Resources
COVID Conversations Toolbox
Advance care planning conversation tools, guidance for medical decision makers, as well as links to seven different advance health care directives.
The Conversation Project
Upcoming Events
Adult Protection Hotline
Abuse and neglect affects many older and dependent adults in Sonoma County. Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect involving older adults age 65+ and disabled, dependent adults age 18+.