Hospice of Santa Barbara

07/19/2025

📝 When does your MyCare Advance Directive go into effect?
Your MyCare Advance Directive only takes effect when you are in the hospital and unable to speak for yourself — for example, if you're unconscious or too ill to make decisions.

It’s important to know that this document does not apply in emergencies at home or in public. In those situations, emergency responders are legally required to provide life-saving treatment, even if your Advance Directive says otherwise.

🚫 If you do not want emergency treatment (like CPR) outside of a hospital setting, you’ll need a separate form called a POLST (Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) with a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order.

📅 Want to learn more about the difference between MyCare and POLST? Join us at one of our upcoming workshops! https://www.getitdonesb.org/events-and-programs.

07/18/2025

A Slice of Actual Light by James Crews

“And then one day, life placed
A slice of actual light on your plate
Instead of the usual portion of grief
You thought would be your daily meal
For the rest of your time on earth.
You just turned and saw a patch
Of sun sliding up and down
The wall beside the bed, last gasp
Of daylight so inviting, how could you
Not reach out and touch the heat
That slipped through a momentary
Crack in the clouds? Now, believe
This will keep happening, these
Glimmers gathering to overtake
The long shadow of sorrow for whole
Minutes, even hours at a time”

07/17/2025

Get It Done SB! offers free, private appointments with our experienced facilitators to help you complete your Advance Directive! If you can’t make one of our community workshops, our individual appointments are an easy way to get started with Advance Care Planning on your own timeline. Each appointment offers an in-depth education on the MyCare Advance Directive, quality of life, and how to make difficult healthcare decisions. Empower yourself today by scheduling your appointment with us! Call (805) 456-4665 or visit www.getitdonesb.org/contact.

07/16/2025

Since 1974 Hospice of Santa Barbara has been compassionately caring and supporting those impacted with serious illness and the bereaved in our community. 💒Learn more about us on our site: hospiceofsb.org

07/14/2025

Losing a Spouse or Partner is a profound and life-altering experience. Join us in person every Tuesday from August 19 – September 26 for a group experience that offers a compassionate space to share your journey, learn coping skills, and explore mindfulness and self-care practices. The group will be facilitated by Monique Bloedau, LMFT #152229.
To sign up please call (805) 563-8820

07/12/2025

Congratulations to Adriana Marroquin, our Community Initiatives Manager, for 7 years with Hospice of Santa Barbara!

Before joining HSB in 2018, Adriana worked at Easy Lift Transportation for 6 years as the intake and marketing coordinator. Prior to that, she was the THRIVE program coordinator for the Isla Vista Youth Projects. Adriana has a B.A in Global and Religious studies as well as an M.A in Business Administration. Upon finishing her MBA, she was drawn to work for an organization that would allow her to grow not only as an individual and professional, but also somewhere where she could contribute to the lives of others.

Thank you, Adriana!

07/12/2025

Did you know you can have more than one healthcare agent? In the MyCare Advance Directive, you can list up to THREE healthcare agents in order of who will be called first. If the first healthcare agent cannot be reached, doctors will reach out to the second and third agents. While the form allows space for three agents, this structure helps avoid confusion and conflict during critical moments. It also ensures medical providers know exactly who to contact and in what order.

➡️ You can still involve others — like additional children, siblings, or close loved ones — by talking with them about your wishes and letting them know who you've chosen to act on your behalf.

For more information on the MyCare Advance Directive, visit https://www.getitdonesb.org/filling-out-mycare-document.

07/10/2025

07/10/2025

The cutest trio of plaid bears !🥰

07/10/2025

💬 Planning ahead for your health has never been easier — or more personal.

With our embedded clinic model, the Get It Done SB! team holds on-site office hours at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) throughout the month. We're here to educate, guide, and support you through meaningful Advance Care Planning (ACP) conversations — right where you already receive your care. Our goal? To make the process simple, supportive, and familiar. By meeting with you in a trusted setting, we help ensure your values are heard, your wishes are documented, and your loved ones and medical team are all on the same page. 📝

🗣️ Are you an SBNC patient?
✅ Ask your provider about Advance Care Planning during your next visit
📞 Or call the SBNC Health Promotions Team at 805-690-65-28 Ext 2027 to schedule your ACP appointment

Let’s make your voice a central part of your care — today and for the future.

07/08/2025

Join us for Write From the Body: Processing Anticipatory Grief through Word and Movement

It is a 6-week personal writing group for adults who are anticipating the death of a loved one.
It will be held Tuesday Afternoons 7/8/25 - 8/12/25 and facilitated by Elizabeth Smith, AMFT 144885 (Supervised by Valerie Moore-Altavilla, LCSW 29702)

To sign up please call (805) 563-8820

07/07/2025

Hospice of Santa Barbara's booth was a hit at THE GREAT QUAKE event on State Street. Answer a question, spin the wheel, and enter to win a prize! The lucky winner received dinner from our good friends at Opal Restaurant.