ADVANCE CARE PLANNING

Imagine you had a fall, stroke, or other medical emergency that resulted in you being in a coma.

Imagine that you had a condition that changed your ability to make decisions or communicate your care needs.

Would your loved ones know what help or care you would want – or not want? Would they know how to speak on your behalf? These are just two of many scenarios which highlight the importance of Advance Care Planning.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of thinking about what matters most to you in your life and what that means for your health and personal care. ACP helps you share your wishes and preferences with the people who are important to you so they can help make sure you get the care you want.

What are wishes and preferences?

Your wishes are your hopes and desires regarding your health and personal care. Your preferences are the specific choices you would make in various situations. By sharing these with your loved ones, you help them understand and respect the decisions you would make for yourself.

Why create an advance care plan?

Advance care planning is part of life planning and can help everyone, including health care providers, understand your goals so that the care you receive respects your wishes and preferences. It is an important step in taking control of your healthcare journey because it allows you to express your wishes and what is important to you. Sharing your wishes can help your support network feel more comfortable expressing them if needed.

Who is ACP for?

Everyone! ACP is for people across Canada, from young to old, of all abilities. It is for people in good health and those who have health needs.

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How to Get Started?

When you are ready to make your plan, Advance Care Planning Canada

has resources which we will link.

Think about what is important to you.
Learn about the care you want.
Choose decision makers you trust.
Share your wishes and preferences so the right people know what you want.
Record your preferences and decision maker(s).

Representative Agreement

This document provides a legal way for you to name someone to make health care and personal care decisions for you when you are unable to speak for yourself.

Island Health MOST Pamphlet

Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). This pamphlet explains MOST.

Island Health MOST Form

In an emergency or urgent situation, if you are unable to express your wishes, a MOST will help ensure your health care treatment aligns with your wishes.

Emergency Information Form

A detailed form to list all your medical information and who to contact in the event of an emergency

Advance Care Planning Tools

Advance Care Planning

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