A Green Sleeve is a plastic pocket that holds your advance care planning forms. Think of it like a medical passport. It holds important legal forms that go with you through the healthcare system. In an emergency, Alberta Health Services medical providers can look at your Green Sleeve and know your healthcare wishes.
The Green Sleeve belongs to you and should only have the most up to date forms inside
You can get a Green Sleeve from any Alberta Health Services provider. You can ask your family doctor for one or a nurse might suggest you get one. If you’re having trouble getting a Green Sleeve, you can have up to 4 Green Sleeves mailed to your home by following these
instructions.
Allow 5-10 business days for your package to arrive. If you have any questions regarding your order, please email
conversationsmatter@ahs.ca.
The Green Sleeve holds a copy of your personal directive, your goals of care designation, and a tracking record.
Your Personal Directive
A personal directive (PD) can help you if you aren't able to talk or make your wishes known. It lists important healthcare decisions, like where you might want to live or what’s important to you. You can write a PD with or without a lawyer. There is a blank PD form in the Green Sleeve that you can use. Anyone who is 18 years or older should have a PD.
You’ll name one or more people you trust to make personal and healthcare decisions for you. They will only do this if you can’t make them yourself because of illness or injury. The person you choose is called your agent and their name is written on the PD.
Goals of Care Designation
The goals of care designation (GCD) is a medical order written by your doctor or nurse practitioner after talking with you and the healthcare team. You do not write on this form.
Your GCD is made up of a letter and number. It helps the healthcare team quickly know your goal of care and act on your healthcare wishes. Not everyone needs a GCD order.
The tracking record and GCD form are a record of your advance care planning discussions.
What to do with your Green Sleeve
When your PD, GCD, and tracking forms are put together in the Green Sleeve, it acts as a single source of truth for your healthcare wishes. At home, place your completed Green Sleeve on or near the fridge. This is where health responders are trained to look in an emergency.
You should also give a copy of the forms in the Green Sleeve to your agent, family, and healthcare provider.
Bring your Green Sleeve to all health appointments.
If you don’t have a Green Sleeve, ask your healthcare provider for more information. If you already have one, keep it current and easy to access in case of an emergency.
