Training ACCA’s Care Team on Advance Care Planning
The ACCA feels so strongly about helping to empower our participants in the Advance Care Planning (ACP) cornerstone that we dedicate significant time and support to ensure our Care Navigators are knowledgeable and confident in assisting their participants through the process of completing an advance directive.
During the first three months of 2022, we focused our bi-monthly team training sessions on the topic of advance care planning. Trainings consisted of sharing of ideas and experiences, role playing, defining the often confusing terms associated with advance care planning, and encouraging our team members to share their own thoughts and discomfort with this often uncomfortable topic.
Below, two of our Care Navigators share their experience with advance care planning.
“Learning about Advance Care Planning and Advance Directives has given me the courage to broach this subject in my personal life with my parents and family members.” ~ Jae Williams, Care Naivgator
Prior to being a Care Navigator with ACCA, what was your experience with or knowledge of advance care planning (ACP) and advance directives (AD)?
Jae: I had a general idea of what advance directives were, but I was not very familiar. However, through my onboarding and initial training, my understanding grew quite a bit! I now know that ADs are a tool for all people, regardless of current health status, meant to communicate your wishes for yourself in the event that you cannot speak for yourself.
Keita: I’d heard the term “Advance Directive” and I knew that an advance directive entailed wishes related to end of life and medical care, but that was pretty much it.
What has been most helpful about the advance care planning focused team trainings we have been doing these past few months?
Jae: I've found the team aspect incredibly helpful as we learn more about ways in which to introduce ACP/AD to our clients. The fact that all of our team members bring different experiences and perspectives to the table is very enlightening and also allows us to consider many different scenarios before encountering them with our own clients. I am very grateful to have received this knowledge from our team.
Keita: I have gained immense knowledge and confidence thanks to our comprehensive advance care planning trainings. Many of my participants have a type of last wishes document like a will or a Power of Attorney, but it does not address their health care choices. Now I have more knowledge and confidence when I explain the differences and the importance of adding an advance directive to what they already have.
How does it feel for you when you are able to help your participants through the process of completing their advance directive?
Jae: I absolutely love the feeling of empowerment that I can help bestow upon participants when they complete an advance directive. They are truly taking the reins in their own health situation. I can tell they feel respected and responsible as well as cared for.
Keita: It is a great feeling when I work with a participant on ACCA’s Care Planning Workbook because they learn so much about themselves in terms of what gives their lives meaning, and then feel so empowered by documenting their wishes and choices in relation to that. I am always honored that my participants trust me enough to guide them as they share vulnerable parts of themselves.
What is one thing that you wish you could help someone understand who might be uncomfortable with talking about or thinking about advance care planning, or actually starting the process of completing an advance directive?
Jae: I would stress the importance of an advance directive particularly for the person’s family members. When difficult situations arise, it is a blessing to eliminate any additional stress from the family sphere by having a pre-existing plan for the next steps.
Keita: I would like to convey to a person who is hesitant to talk about an advance directive that they are not alone in their reluctance. End of life decisions are difficult for most of us to think about. I want them to know that in my experience as a Care Navigator those participants who decide to complete an advance directive feel a sense of relief and empowerment when it is done.