What is Advance Care Planning & why do you need it?

 An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a written summary of your wishes and instructions to confirm and guide your substitute decision-maker(s) (SDMs) to conduct any future health care decisions on your behalf in case you become incapable of communicating your decisions due to lack of mental capability. 

  • Who Determines Mental Capacity? Healthcare providers are often asked to make Mental Capacity Assessments for patients. 

  • How do you communicate with Advanced Care plans? Provide a copy of your written ACP to your substitute decision-maker(s). If the person or persons chosen to consent to be assigned,  ensure your ACP  is shared with all parties involved in the process. 

The BC Ministry of Health encourages all capable adults to do advance care planning. It is designed for everyone, not only seniors. Your health can change at any time. 

During these uncertain times, we are all concerned about our health and well-being. Be ready with Advance Care Planning which helps you to decide and communicate to others what you would like at the end of your life so that your wishes are honoured by the specific person you choose to make these decisions for you.  

Start the process by reflecting and then collecting your thoughts about your personal beliefs, values and wishes regarding future health care treatments in writing. Ask yourself what is most important to you in any case of a medical emergency and your overall future health care. 

The next step is to begin a conversation with your loved ones and your health care provider(s) to advise your family and or friends on what kind of health and personal care you would prefer in the future.

Conduct online research. Research yourself or with the help of a loved one what resources you have available in the province you reside in.

Advance Care Planning Canada's website is an excellent resource by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. You will find resources and a toolkit to help you along the way including a My speak up plan which you can download as a fillable or printable PDF workbook:

 https://bc-cpc.ca/all-resources/individuals/acp/acp-resources/

When preparing your ACP, you can also include:

  • A Representation Agreement to note your instructions and name someone to make your health and personal care decisions if you become incapable.

  • An Advance Directive: a summary of your health care instructions that are given to your health care provider, which they must follow directions when it speaks to the care you need at the time if you become incapable.

  • An Enduring Power of Attorney - you appoint a trusted person to make decisions about your financial affairs, property etc.

What's the latest in advance care planning?

April 16 is Advance Care Planning Day in Canada. 

The BC Care Hospice Palliative Care Association Canadians encourage all Canadians to set aside time between 6-8 p.m on April 16, 2022, to talk openly with family, friends and loved ones to share with them what would be most important to you in a health care emergency. Take this opportunity to start planning your future health care journey for peace of mind for you and your loved ones.


Just Like Family Home Care Burnaby & New Westminster can assist you in your Advance Care Planning journey to help you plan for any current or future home health care needs. Contact us at (604) 725-7254 to book a free in-home care consultation.





Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada

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