Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well and are healthy. With April being Advance Care Planning month in Canada, I wanted to take a moment to address this very important topic.
Have you ever thought about who would speak for you if you couldn’t speak for yourself? It’s not an easy question, but it’s a very important one.
Put your wishes into words
Advance care planning isn’t about what happens after you pass; it’s how you want to live should the worst happen. It invites us to pause and reflect on what matters most: Our values, our wishes and the kind of care we would want if our health were to change. More than anything, it’s about having gentle, honest conversations with the people we trust.
It’s normal to put this off. Life is busy, and this topic can feel heavy. Yet, taking the time to share your wishes is a profound act of care. When advance care planning is not discussed, loved ones are often left to make difficult decisions in moments of crisis. In those situations, emotions run high, and uncertainty can weigh heavily.
Families may struggle with doubt, wondering if they are making the “right” choice, which can lead to guilt or disagreement. While you may not intend to do so, by not expressing your preferences, you can place that burden on others. This not only affects your family and friends, but it also falls to healthcare professionals who must do their best to honour your dignity and wishes without truly knowing them.
Guides and resources to help
There are several ways to put your wishes into words. Advance medical directives allow you to clearly accept or refuse certain treatments while you are still able to do so. A protection mandate enables you to designate someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf in the event of your incapacity. You may also hear about levels of care, which help guide discussions with healthcare providers about the level of treatment you would want. Learning about these options can bring clarity, reassurance and a sense of control.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. We warmly invite you to explore the resources offered by Educaloi and Advance Care Planning Canada. Their message is simple, yet powerful: “If not now, when? If not you, who?”
Perhaps today could be the day you start the conversation—with a loved one, over a cup of coffee, in your own words. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to begin.
Talk to you again soon,
Anaïs