Advance Care Planning Day
by Elaine Book
April 16th is Advance Care Planning Day in Canada!
Advance Care Planning is a process of:
thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and
sharing them with the people you trust.
and it can include choosing who would make care decisions for you if you cannot.
Advance Care Planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Advance Care Planning is as easy as Think, Talk, Plan….
Here are some reflective prompts to start the process (courtesy of ACP in Canada).
Choosing Your “Who”
Who Do You Trust To Make Healthcare Decisions That Respect Your Wishes?
This person can be a family member, friend, child, or a faith leader for example, and it doesn’t have to be just one person. What’s important is to choose one or multiple people you trust to make decisions that align with your wishes, even if they want something else for themselves.
Would That Person (Or People) Be Comfortable Making Important Decisions About Your Health Quickly Or In An Emergency?
Not everyone is comfortable in rapidly changing situations, or with making big decisions quickly. The person or people you choose should be comfortable in those types of situations and be able to advocate for your wishes with health care providers.
Have You Spoken To Them About What Matters Most In Your Life?
When someone knows what you value most in your life, they can make more informed decisions about your health care. For example, someone who values their independence most would probably make different care decisions than someone who most values spending quality time with their loved ones.
What Matters Most
What Does A Good Day Look Like For You?
Think about what a good day looks like for you. For example, it might be a lazy day watching TV with my dog, enjoying dinner with your children, taking care of the garden, spending time with family and friends…
What Situations Do You Find Difficult?
Think about what situations challenge you. For example, “I find it difficult to disagree with people”, “I struggle with accepting help from others”, “I have a hard time adapting to change”…
What Gives You Strength In Difficult Times?
Think about what helps you cope in difficult times and sources of strength. For example, my family, listening to my favourite music, visits from my friends, spending time outdoors…
What Spiritual, Cultural Or Religious Beliefs, Practices, Or Ceremonies Are Important To You?
For example, going to mass every Sunday, Shabbat dinner with my children, Pipe ceremonies…
What Do You Value More: The Possibility Of A Longer Life, Or The Possibility Of A Better Quality Of Life?
These prompts can help to think about your values, wishes, and beliefs and allow you to better guide the person or people you choose to act on your behalf and allow them to prioritize what matters most to you when weighing your different care options.
For more information:
Nidus Personal Planning and Resource Centre: https://nidus.ca/
Steps to advance care planning: https://www.bc-cpc.ca/all-resources/individuals/acp/
References:
BC Palliative Care Centre: https://www.bc-cpc.ca/acp-day-2024/
