My People
Think about the people in your life who are or could be involved in providing some support, including professionals, caregivers, friends, family, and neighbors. Identify those you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Creating a Support Network of Care Partners
Activities
Tip on setting the stage for emotional conversations.
Discussing health and lifestyle changes with those you are close to can be emotional. Set aside uninterrupted time in a comfortable space where everyone can see each other. Ensure everyone is respectful and listens carefully. Consider having someone record your wishes to share with those you choose.
My Health Care & Business Professionals
Keep a list of Health Care & Business Professionals.
- Start a list of all your health care and business professionals including your physician, nurse practitioner, specialist, physiotherapist, accountant, lawyer, financial planner, power of attorney, and notary.
- Write down their contact information, what type of services they provide, and how they are helping you.
- Keep the list up-to-date in print and/or digitally.
- Start a ‘special’ contact list in your phone with all the above suggestions.
- Download the My Professionals Contact List template.
Identifying My Care Partners
Learn about Care Partners
- Consider the people in your life who can support you both personally and professionally.
- Talk to family, friends, neighbors, and community members about how they can assist with tasks, care, and advice.
- Discuss your personal boundaries, when and how you want assistance, and your need for privacy and confidentiality.
- Learn about the many ways care partners can offer comfort and assistance from ideas in the resource kit.
- Download the MyCare Partners List template and include each person’s contact information and how and when you want them to help.
“Working within the healthcare system, I’m keenly aware of the gaps in services for seniors. Recognizing this, I believe that it’s crucial for family, friends, and neighbors to come together and provide some of the necessary assistance. I took initiative and started Mywell Health planning for my neighbour. Together, we reached out to individuals who could contribute to her care partners list. I was happy to find that most people we approached were more than willing to lend a hand. I have found satisfaction in being able to offer my assistance and contribute positively to her well-being.”
Choosing My Health Advocate
Choosing a Health Advocate
- Learn about the role of a health advocate in the resource kit.
- Think about naming someone you trust who could assist you to and with health care visits.
- Consider asking someone who is already a care partner, which could be a family member, friend, or neighbour.
- Discuss with whomever you choose your right to privacy and confidentiality.
Health Advocate
Choosing a Temporary or Substitute Decision-Maker
Naming a Temporary Substitute Decision-Maker (TSDM)
- Know that a temporary substitute decision-maker is an adult who is ready and capable of making health care treatment decisions for you, if you are unconscious or unable to speak for yourself.
- Know that if you cannot speak for yourself, your physician chooses someone from your TSDM list, often in the order of your spouse or partner, then your adult children, your sibling(s), or others you have named.
- Learn more about the role and responsibilities of a TSDM in the resource kit.
Naming a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM)
- If you have a debilitating or life-limiting health condition, consider naming a formal substitute decision-maker.
- Know that a SDM is an adult who is ready and capable of making health care treatment decisions for you, if you are unconscious or unable to speak for yourself.
- Complete a representation agreement, witnessed by a notary, that names your SDM.
- Know that your named SDM can consent to treatment, withdrawal of treatment, or housing placement on your behalf.
- Understand the difference between a TSDM and a SDM.
- Keep a printed and digital copy of your representation agreement in your Mywell Health files.
“My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and in a short period of time he was having difficulty speaking. It was suggested to us to get a representation agreement and name another person, besides myself, to be a TSDM. We talked about the questions that were suggested to us and he was able to make the decision naming two people as TSDMs. Some of the questions we discussed were;
- Am I comfortable talking with this person about my wishes and priorities for my health care?
- Does this person know my values and beliefs?
- Does this person live near me, or would they travel to be with me if needed?
- Can this person honor my wishes when I can no longer speak for myself?
- Can this person handle conflicting opinions from my family, friends, and health care providers? Is this person 19 years or older?
- Has this person been in contact with me over the past year?
We also used My Voice – An Advance Care Planning Guide to help us have the discussion and record our wishes.
Tip
The people you choose to advocate and make decisions on your behalf should be aware of your current values, beliefs, and end-of-life choices. Learn more about these roles under the term advance care plan in the resource kit.
Caring for My Caregivers
Supporting those who care for you.
- Learn about ways to support the needs of your family members and your employed and family caregivers.
- Ask family members about their limitations and boundaries like time, space, financial, and other issues.
- Create a plan that encourages open communication with all involved.
- Explore caregiving support groups.
- Learn about the tools and ways to support your caregivers from Family-Caregivers of BC.
Message to Mywell Users
You can download the entire ‘My People’ module as a fillable PDF. After filling it in, save it digitally to your Mywell files for online or phone access, or print it to add to your Mywell Health binder.
Medical Emergency
If you have a medical emergency call 911 immediately. Do NOT use the website or planner for medical emergencies. If you have a medical concern, call your physician or health care professional.
Resource Kit
As you are completing your health and lifestyle activities, you might come across terms & words that are new to you. Click on the highlighted terms to visit the Resource Kit for definitions, educational materials, links to websites, videos, and more!
Your Data is Your Data
Mywell Health does not store your personal health information. We do not provide online storage. Download the planner sections and choose what works best for you:
- Save your PDFs in your own personal online storage space.
- Print your PDFs and put them into a health binder.