Health & Wellness

Six ways to plan for age-related health decisions

Anytime is a good time to start planning your future health care. Making informed decisions now while you're healthy is a gift to yourself and those who matter most to you.

Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s and beyond as an opportunity for adventure and discovery. Sooner or later, however—as much as we might not want to admit it—most of us will face age-related challenges.

None of us knows what the future holds, but we can plan for it. There are tools and ways we can plan for the unexpected, whether it’s a medical emergency or slower decline. 

Even if you’re feeling well and healthy now, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case you become suddenly unwell and not able to make decisions for yourself.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning for your health and well-being:

1. Think about what matters most to you

Take some time to reflect on what, and who, are most important to you in your life and what quality of life means to you.

Consider your future personal, financial and health-care needs. Who could help you with your home and yard if something were to happen to you? How would you get to appointments? Do you have an up-to-date financial plan? Have you researched what health-care options—free, subsidized and private—are available in your community? This could be home health services, community nursing, assisted living or long-term care.

2. Learn about advance care planning (ACP)

Advance care planning is for everyone! It’s about thinking ahead, talking with those closest to you, and sharing what matters most—before a health crisis happens.

ACP helps you and your loved ones make informed decisions about future health care. It’s a gift of clarity, dignity and peace of mind—for yourself and those who matter most to you. You can download Interior Health’s advance care plan workbook or request a copy by email at acp@interiorhealth.ca.

Below, view the videos in our Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice playlist:

Introduction to Advance Care Planning with Janine

5 Steps of Advance Care Planning with Ranj

Choosing a substitute decision maker with Pat

Wisdom on care planning with Willard

Advance Care Planning in Primary Care with Martin

Medical interventions & informed choices with Dr. Mary Malebranche

A family member’s perspective with Frank

“Your voice matters. Make sure it’s heard” with Dr. Mary Malebranche

3. Talk about your wishes with your loved ones

This could be family and friends. These conversations can be hard but it’s best to have them when we are well and calm and not during a medical crisis. We make our best decisions when we are calm and able to set time aside to think about what matters most to us. You can appoint a substitute decision maker who can make health decisions for you when you can’t.

4. Record your wishes in writing

If you don’t talk about your wishes or write down your instructions, your loved ones and health-care team will be left to make decisions for you that they believe are in your best interest. Completing your advance care plan helps to avoid unwanted medical treatments or unintended conflicts between loved ones.

5. If you’re a caregiver—perhaps you’re caring for an aging parent—know that there are services for you, too

Interior Health offers respite services and adult day services that provide caregivers a rest and time off from care. Family Caregivers of BC supports more than one million caregivers with resources, education and support groups.

6. Revisit your plan

Advance care planning isn’t a one and done event. You might want to revisit your plan once a year as your needs, values and health change.

 

October 1 is recognized in Canada as National Seniors Day. This is an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour or a friend.

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