Advance Care Planning - Group Visits
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits (ACP-GV) Program
ACP-GV engages Veterans, caregivers and those they trust in advance care planning by facilitating a group discussion that elicits personal experience(s) and encourages participants to identify a ‘next step’ to take in the process of planning for future health care needs. Participants are encouraged to consider what matters most to them.
All adults (18 or older) are welcome to attend a group session regardless of health status. Participants may choose to bring a person they trust, and knowledge of advance care planning is not necessary for participation.
ACP-GV sessions include:
- Discussions about selecting a health care agent
- Experiences with making health care decisions for others
- Considering how to start a conversation with loved ones
- Identifying goals and next steps
Feedback from ACP-GV Participants
“I am so glad I attended this group. I had no idea about what I could do to make things easier for me and for my family down the road. Completing my advance directive has given me peace of mind.” - Veteran, White River Junction, VT
“Even though I was already familiar with the topic, this was really a good group. It helped me to refresh myself because it’s one of those things we choose to not think about.” - Veteran, Nashville, TN
"I had the chance to attend a group for myself - with other caregivers in the Caregiver Support Program. The discussion with other caregivers helped me realize that I had been neglecting my own health care planning! I set a goal for myself during group and followed through.” - Caregiver, Houston, TX
Resources
- VHA Social Work - ACP- GV
- What’s Your Plan? National Advance Care Planning via Group Visits Program
- Contact your ACP-GV Site Lead
