Advance care planning is a process of documenting your health care service wishes for your health care team so that in the event you are no longer capable of making independent choices, your care preferences will be respected. Advance care planning is important for residents, families and health care providers as it assists in avoiding crisis-based decisions and avoids unwanted treatments.

Voluntary ACP is a face-to-face service between a Medicare physician (or other qualified health care professional) and a patient to discuss the patient’s health care wishes if they become unable to make decisions about their care.

Each resident has the right to formulate an advance directive, including the right to request, refuse and/or discontinue treatment. This sample policy can be modified to your facility.

Each resident has the right to formulate an advance directive, including the right to request, refuse and/or discontinue treatment. This sample policy can be modified to your facility. (Spanish version)

Additional precautions are required when performing CPR during this pandemic, use this sample policy & procedure and customize for your facility.

Additional precautions are required when performing CPR during this pandemic, use this sample policy & procedure and customize for your facility. (Spanish version)

Questions and answers regarding FEMA funeral assistance related to COVID-19

To date, there is no evidence of persons having been infected from exposure to the body of persons who died from COVID-19. The dignity of the deceased, their cultural and religious traditions/beliefs, and their family will be respected and protected on an individual basis, balancing family wishes and the risk of exposure. The safety and well-being of caregivers who provide post-mortem care is a high priority.

To date, there is no evidence of persons having been infected from exposure to the body of persons who died from COVID-19. The dignity of the deceased, their cultural and religious traditions/beliefs, and their family will be respected and protected on an individual basis, balancing family wishes, and the risk of exposure. The safety and well-being of caregivers who provide post-mortem care is a high priority. (Spanish version)

The dignity of a resident who has died including their cultural and religious traditions/beliefs and their family will be respected and protected while providing postmortem care to the extent possible during a pandemic. (Spanish version)