Advanced Care Planning

What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is your opportunity to take charge of your future healthcare by proactively outlining and documenting your preferences. According to My Health Alberta, it involves:

• Reflecting on your values and desired medical treatments.
• Discussing your healthcare goals with trusted individuals.
• Creating a plan that aligns with your values and wishes.
• Documenting your plan in writing for clarity and peace of mind.

With advance care planning, you ensure your voice is heard, even when you can’t speak for yourself. For further insight, don’t miss Neela White’s presentation, "Understanding Care in Canada," which explores the complexities and options available for care across the country.

Who Should Consider Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is for everyone aged 18 and older in Alberta. It is especially important for:

• Those with chronic illnesses, including early cognitive impairments like dementia.
• Individuals with multiple health concerns.
• Older adults.

However, even if you’re in good health, creating a plan is wise. Life is unpredictable, and a sudden injury or illness could leave you unable to communicate your wishes. By planning now, you provide clear guidance to your loved ones and healthcare team when it’s needed most.

Benefits of Advance Care Planning
When you can’t express your wishes, it’s vital that those around you know your preferences. Planning ahead offers significant benefits:

• Ensures your healthcare choices are known and respected.
• Provides peace of mind to your loved ones and anyone tasked with making decisions on your behalf.
• Helps you and your family feel prepared and confident about future health changes.

​When to Start Advance Care Planning
The best time to start discussing your healthcare wishes is now—before any crisis arises. It’s never too late to begin, but the sooner you start, the more control you have over your future care. Take the time to reflect, discuss, and document your wishes. And remember, the Government of Alberta offers a secure way to store your advance care planning forms, ensuring they’re easily accessible when needed.

Trustworthy Resources to Assist You in Advance Care Planning:

• Advance Care Planning Canada: An initiative by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, offering comprehensive guides, toolkits, and workbooks to help individuals and families navigate advance care planning. (advancecareplanning.ca)
• Alberta Health Services: Provides detailed information on advance care planning specific to Alberta residents, including steps to create a personal directive and understanding goals of care designations. (albertahealthservices.ca)
• MyHealth.Alberta.ca: A resource offering insights into advance care planning, including the five steps to create your plan and how to communicate your wishes to loved ones and healthcare providers. (myhealth.alberta.ca)
• Compassionate Alberta: Offers support and information tailored to advance care planning, palliative care, and end-of-life care resources specific to Alberta communities. (https://covenanthealth.ca/about/centres-and-institutes/palliative-institute/compassionate-alberta)
• My Wishes Alberta Workbook: A workbook designed to help Albertans think about what is most important in their life, health, and personal care, and to share this information with those who matter most, including healthcare providers. This resource encourages reflection on personal values and wishes, facilitating meaningful conversations about future healthcare decisions. (My Wishes Workbook)
• Canadian Virtual Hospice: Provides information and support on palliative and end-of-life care, including advance care planning resources tailored to various needs and situations. (virtualhospice.ca)
• ​Accessing your advance care planning documents: Keep advance care planning documents in a "Green Sleeve". Learn more about storing your advance care planning documents and the Green Sleeve program in Alberta.