Imagine being in a situation where you can't speak for yourself—who would you trust to speak for you? Or what if you needed to speak on behalf of a loved one, but don't know their wishes?
This is the situation Kevin Dunk found himself in 10 years ago when his mom was admitted to the hospital in Cranbrook. “The care aides at the long-term care home asked me where her green folder was,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what they were talking about, nor did the hospital staff know what a green folder was. The aides said to me, ‘You know, a Do Not Resuscitate form.’ She didn’t have a care plan. I realized not only how confusing the terminology is, but how important it is for caregivers, health-care providers and physicians to all be on the same page.”
Kevin’s experience led him to join Interior Health’s Patient Voices Network. Today, Kevin is one of the proud contributors from Patient Voices who helped create IH’s new My Advance Care Plan, a unique, easy-to-follow workbook that helps you record your wishes for your future health care.
“My experience with my mom opened my eyes. It may be uncomfortable, but the more we talk about our wishes, the less daunting it becomes and the closer we can get to where our truth may lie,” says Kevin. “My Advance Care Plan helps break down those barriers so you can have a normal conversation about end-of-life care so it’s not so fearsome.”
Peace of mind for you—and your loved ones
Advance care planning (ACP) is about thinking ahead and writing down what’s important to you so your loved ones and health-care team can honour your wishes if you’re unable to speak for yourself. It can begin at any stage of life and can be revisited throughout your life journey.
ACP isn't just for older adults or people with serious illnesses. It's something that everyone should consider, regardless of age or health status.
Here's why advance care planning is so important for you, and your loved ones:
- Ensures your voice is heard: Having an advance care plan in place can give you peace of mind. Your substitute decision maker (SDM) and health-care providers and loved ones will know what kind of care you want—and don’t want.
- Relieves burden on loved ones: Making decisions about medical care for a sick or injured loved one can be incredibly stressful. Having an advance care plan relieves your loved ones of having to guess what you would want. It gives them peace of mind knowing that they're following your wishes.
- Helps avoid family conflicts: Without clear instructions from you, family members may disagree about what medical treatments to pursue. This can lead to tension and conflict during an already difficult time. Advance care planning can help prevent these conflicts by providing clear guidance on your preferences for medical care.
- Ensures quality of life: Your advance care plan allows you to express your values and priorities when it comes to medical care. For example, you might specify that you prioritize comfort and quality of life over aggressive treatments that may prolong your life but cause discomfort. This ensures that your care aligns with what matters most to you.
- Allows for dignified end-of-life care: One of the most important aspects of advance care planning is outlining your wishes for end-of-life care. Whether you prefer to receive care at home or in a hospice setting, your advance care plan ensures that your wishes are respected, allowing for a dignified and peaceful transition.
Like Kevin, Pat Owen is a long-time member of IH’s Patient Voices Network and contributed to the creation of the workbook. “My Advance Care Plan gives you time to ponder how you would like your life to look, how you want to live your values, not just at the end of your life, but throughout your life.” shares Pat. “The workbook is a great way to start a family conversation. If there are parts that are difficult, you can come back to them. You don’t need a doctor or legal signatures, and you can change it any time you wish. It’s clear, it’s simple and it’s very thought-provoking.”
How to get your copy of My Advance Care Plan
My Advance Care Plan guides you through the five steps of advance care planning. You can fill one out digitally, or get a printed copy you can fill out by hand.
Here’s how to get your copy:
- Download a digital PDF you can fill out, save, email or print
- Contact your local Interior Health Home & Community Care Office or email advancecareplanning@interiorhealth.ca to request a printed copy
April 16 is National Advance Care Planning Day in Canada
This year’s theme is “If not you, who?”
Find resources and learn more about ACP Day 2024
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