What is a Green Sleeve?

By Brandie Majeau
Smoky Lake FCSS and Family Resource Network are creating awareness for
community members and all Albertans to be informed and aware of the personal
choices of healthcare intervention/services/support they want if there is an emergency.
They have recently proposed the question, “Do you know what a green sleeve is?” They
cite that very few people seem to be aware of a green sleeve, even though it is
available to anyone over the age of eighteen.
The Green Sleeve is a specialized plastic pocket that securely holds essential
advance care planning forms. It has been specifically created to house a blank personal
directive form and a blank Goals of Care Designation (GCD) order form. If individuals
have already completed their personal directive or GCD order, they can simply
substitute their completed forms into the Green Sleeve, replacing the blank forms that
initially come with the package. This ensures that all critical advance care planning
documents are kept safe and organized in one convenient location.
The Advance Care Planning/Goals of Care Designation Tracking Record is a
crucial component of the Green Sleeve. It is a tool used by healthcare providers to
meticulously document detailed conversations about a person’s personal advance care
plan and Goals of Care Designation (GCD). This comprehensive record is to be kept in
the Green Sleeve, serving as a reliable reference for all healthcare providers involved in
the individual’s care. It is a vital part of the Green Sleeve’s functionality.
In times of emergency, healthcare professionals rely on a Green Sleeve to
promptly comprehend an individual’s healthcare preferences. It is crucial to ensure that
only the latest documents are placed in the Green Sleeve. Healthcare personnel across
all care environments may inquire whether an individual has completed a Green Sleeve.
Green Sleeves can be obtained by asking your healthcare provider or ordering it
online. When at home, Green Sleeves should be kept in a place easily accessible to
emergency responders, such as on or near the fridge, emergency responders have
been trained to look in that area for them. It is also important to take Green Sleeves to

the hospital or to personal appointments and then return it to its designated spot once
returning home.
Albertans are encouraged to further inform themselves by watching a green
sleeves video on YouTube or by visiting MyHealth Alberta to learn more.