Why Advance Care Planning is the Best Gift You Can Give to Your Loved Ones (And Yourself)
The Importance of Planning Ahead for Your Health
Life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, everything is fine, and the next, something unexpected happens—a sudden illness, an accident, or a medical emergency. When these events occur, will your family know exactly what you want when it comes to your health and medical care?
This is where Advance Care Planning (ACP) comes in. ACP is about making decisions about your future healthcare before something happens that leaves you unable to speak for yourself. It’s one of the most thoughtful and impactful things you can do for yourself and for the people who love you.
Statistics show that 77% of Canadians agree that planning for future healthcare is important, but only 17% have actually done it (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, 2024). Many people recognize its significance but avoid taking action. By planning ahead, you’re providing clarity and peace of mind—not only for yourself but for your loved ones when they might need it most.
Why People Avoid the Topic and Why It Matters So Much
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios. Conversations about health care and end-of-life decisions can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming. It’s far easier to push these topics aside and hope they won’t be needed anytime soon. But ignoring them doesn’t make the tough situations any easier.
80% of Canadians express a desire to have control over their healthcare decisions, but less than half have talked to their family members about what they would want (Canadian Medical Association). Without these discussions, families are left to guess what their loved ones would want in a difficult moment, which can lead to confusion, stress, and even conflict.
The reality is that when a loved one falls ill or faces a crisis, having clear instructions and conversations about what they want is invaluable. ACP provides clarity, giving families the confidence to make decisions without doubt or regret.
What Exactly Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of thinking about and documenting your healthcare preferences in advance, in case you become unable to express them later on. It’s a way of ensuring that your values, preferences, and wishes are known and followed, even if you can no longer speak for yourself.
This is not about predicting the future, but rather preparing for the possibility that circumstances might arise where you can’t make decisions due to illness, injury, or a medical condition. With ACP, you make decisions about things like whether you want life-sustaining treatment, whether you want to be resuscitated if your heart stops, or whether you’d prefer comfort care in the event of a terminal illness.
While no one likes to think about these things, taking the time to have a clear plan in place can make all the difference when the situation arises.
Why Should You Plan Ahead?
It’s easy to believe that something bad won’t happen to you—or that you’ll have plenty of time to deal with these matters in the future. But life is unpredictable. In fact, 67% of people say they want to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, but only 30% have documented their healthcare wishes (National Institute on Aging, 2022). This gap shows how many people simply haven’t taken the steps to ensure their healthcare choices are known.
Without a plan, your family might be forced to make critical decisions without clear guidance. They may feel lost, uncertain, or even guilty, especially if they don’t know exactly what you would have wanted. Planning ahead helps ease that burden, so your loved ones don’t have to make difficult choices during an already stressful time.
The Simple Steps to Create Your Advance Care Plan
Starting your own Advance Care Plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:
- Reflect on What Matters Most to You
The first step in ACP is thinking deeply about your values and what matters most to you. Would you want every possible treatment to extend your life? Or would you prefer to focus on comfort if you were facing a serious illness? Do you have strong beliefs about organ donation or other medical procedures? Understanding these preferences will help guide your decisions. - Designate a Substitute Decision-Maker
You’ll need to choose someone who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself. This person should understand your values and be someone you trust to act in your best interest. This could be a family member, a close friend, or anyone who is familiar with your healthcare preferences. - Put Your Wishes in Writing
It’s crucial to document your decisions. This could be in the form of a formal ACP document, which you can fill out through healthcare organizations, or simply by writing down your preferences in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Make sure to include your decisions about life-saving treatments, organ donation, and other critical healthcare choices. - Review and Update Your Plan Regularly
Your health and preferences might change over time, so it’s important to review your Advance Care Plan periodically. If there’s a change in your health, such as a new diagnosis, or if your feelings about certain medical treatments change, update your plan to reflect those changes. An up-to-date ACP ensures that your wishes are always aligned with your current desires. - Have the Conversation with Your Family
Once you know what you want, talk to the people you trust most—your family, friends, or close loved ones. Sharing your healthcare preferences isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly important. Be honest about your wishes, so there’s no confusion if something unexpected happens. It might be tough at first, but the more open you are, the easier it will be for everyone.
Tip: Choose a calm moment to start the conversation. Make sure everyone is able to listen and share their thoughts without feeling rushed or pressured.
The Benefits of Having an Advance Care Plan
Creating an Advance Care Plan offers numerous benefits, not only for you but also for your loved ones and healthcare providers. The main advantages include:
- Clarity: Your family and healthcare team will clearly understand your wishes, which makes difficult decisions easier for everyone involved.
- Peace of Mind: Having a plan in place gives your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that they are making decisions that align with your values and desires.
- Control: You maintain control over your healthcare decisions, even if you are unable to express them in the future.
- Easier Transitions: In the event of a serious illness or injury, having an ACP can reduce the emotional burden on your family. They will know exactly what you would want, making transitions smoother and less stressful.
While it’s natural to avoid thinking about difficult situations, the truth is that Advance Care Planning is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. It ensures that your healthcare decisions are made according to your wishes, even when you’re no longer able to speak for yourself.
The best time to start planning is now. Talk to your loved ones. Write down your wishes. Choose a decision-maker. By taking these steps, you’ll make sure your family doesn’t have to guess about what you want when they’re already facing a difficult situation.