Conversations worth having - Advance Care Planning

Submitted by Leah Gabriel | Oct 27, 2021

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is an opportunity to share your wishes and choices about your future personal and health care. It is a chance to help others to understand what is important to you, and to be clear on how you wish to live your life and be cared for.

This planning is best done now, while you are able to clearly understand and talk about your choices and decisions.

It is about communicating your wishes and wants to a trusted person. This person is called your Substitute Decision Maker (SDM). Usually, we can make our own decisions but if, at any time, you are not able to, your SDM would voice your wishes and care choices with your health care providers.

Over time, our living situations and health changes. Your Advance Care Plan needs to reflect these changes, be revised and shared with your SDM, family, friends and care providers.

People who have an Advance Care Plan: Are more likely to have their wishes followed, have caregivers & family experience less stress and anxiety, are more satisfied with the care they receive, are more likely to be cared for in a place of their choosing, and have a better quality of living & death

For additional information:

Leagh Gabriel, Hospice & Palliative Care Coordinator

Southern Frontenac Community Services

613-376-6477 ext. 201, leagh.gabriel@sfcsc.ca