Six ways to plan for age-related health decisions

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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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