End of Life Doula, Western Colorado

Advanced care planning documents can indicate who would make medical decisions (the health care proxy) for someone, if and when they become too sick to make decisions on their own.  These documents can also share the individual’s values, goals, and preferences for future medical care. Advance care planning is a process, and goals may change along the way and documents can be amended. 

Knowing the wishes of a loved one can lessen the burden on the family of making difficult medical decisions, especially during a crisis. 

Advanced Care Planning can be completed with the individual client, with family or a health care proxy present, or with a health care proxy alone if the client is no longer able to speak for himself/herself.  This process could include the following:   

1. Promoting discussions around the goals of care (what really matters to someone), ideally, prior to a healthcare crisis if the client or family caregiver agree.
2. Providing education regarding options for care at the end of life.
3. Assisting in understanding the relevant state documents for ACP.
4. If appropriate, discuss and explain the MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment) form. This form needs to be reviewed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. 
5. Reviewing how to share any ACP documents that are completed.