Advanced Care Planning Day is April 16 this year and we urge you to answer this question: If not you, who?
When planning for our future we often focus on career, finances and personal achievements. However, there is another aspect of our lives that we tend to overlook until it’s too late — our health. Advanced care planning involves making decisions about the healthcare you want to receive should you become unable to speak for yourself. It’s a crucial and compassionate process that allows you to maintain control over your medical treatment and ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Every Albertan aged 18 and over should have an Advanced Care Plan that includes: thinking about your values and goals, learning about your health, creating a personal directive, naming a power of attorney, creating a will and speaking with others about your wishes.
In the realm of healthcare, especially in the sensitive area of hospice care, conversations about end-of-life decisions can be challenging, but they are undeniably crucial. Advanced care planning serves as a compassionate guide for individuals and their loved ones, ensuring that a person’s healthcare wishes are understood, respected and upheld. Advanced care planning empowers individuals to navigate the future with dignity and respect.
What is Advanced Care Planning?
Advanced care planning is a thoughtful and comprehensive process that enables individuals to make decisions about their future healthcare preferences. It goes beyond traditional discussions about life-sustaining treatments to address broader aspects of care including personal values, spiritual beliefs and quality of life preferences.
Initiating the Conversation: Breaking the Silence
One of the hardest parts of advanced care planning is starting the conversation. However, by encouraging individuals to express their desires, fears and hopes, they can gain a better sense of control over their medical care decisions and understand what options are available to them. This process may involve discussing various medical treatments and interventions, as well as considering factors such as quality of life and personal values.
The Importance of Early Planning: It’s Never Too Soon
A common misconception is that advanced care planning is only for the elderly or those facing terminal illnesses. In reality, advanced care planning is relevant for adults of all ages regardless of their health status. Starting early ensures that an individual’s preferences are known and respected in case of unexpected medical events. You may never need your Advanced Care Plan but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
Documenting Preferences: Personal Directive
An essential part of advanced care planning is the creation of a personal directive — a document that outlines an individual’s healthcare preferences. It is important to note that your personal directive ONLY comes into effect if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Your personal directive will name an “Agent” who will act on your behalf to ensure you receive the care you want. Once you have chosen your agent, you should inform them of their role and make sure they understand your wishes for your care should you be unable to make your own decisions. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation and other critical matters. Clear and documented directives alleviate the burden on family members and healthcare providers during emotionally charged moments. Have you spoken to your loved ones about what matters most to you in your life?
Advanced care planning is a deeply personal and empowering process that deserves attention and understanding. Pilgrims Hospice Society is committed to fostering open conversations, providing resources and guiding individuals on their journey toward creating a future healthcare plan that aligns with their values and wishes. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to a more compassionate and informed approach to end-of-life care.
The following resources will help you along your advanced care planning journey: