British Columbians are being encouraged to think ahead about the kind of health care they would want to receive if they were ever unable to speak for themselves.
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, talking over and writing down a person’s wishes for future health-care treatment. The planning is intended to help family members, trusted friends and health-care providers understand what matters most to someone if illness or injury leaves them unable to make or communicate their own decisions.
The Province of B.C. offers an advance care planning guide called My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment, which is available online through the provincial government website.
The guide walks people through questions about their beliefs, values and wishes, including who they would want involved in future health-care decisions, what treatments they may accept or refuse, and what their preferences may be around life support, life-prolonging medical interventions or residential care.
According to the guide, as long as a person is capable of understanding and communicating with a doctor, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or other health-care provider, they will be asked to make their own health-care treatment decisions. However, a serious accident or illness can result in someone being unable to make those decisions at the time care is needed.
An advance care plan can provide guidance to loved ones and health-care providers during a difficult time. It can also help reduce stress for family and friends who may otherwise be asked to make important health-care decisions without knowing a person’s wishes.
In British Columbia, advance care planning can include writing down beliefs, values and wishes, identifying a temporary substitute decision maker, completing a representation agreement, creating an advance directive, or making an enduring power of attorney for financial and legal matters.
The My Voice guide includes information about these options, as well as workbook pages and forms that can help people put their wishes in writing. The guide notes that some forms may be completed without a lawyer or notary public if completed properly, although people with complex situations are encouraged to seek legal advice.
Locally, the Golden Hospice Society has made the My Voice guide available in Golden.
The society’s office is located at the Golden Seniors Community Centre, 915 9th Street South, behind Abbeyfield House. Office hours are Monday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m., or by appointment.
Advance care plans can also be changed or cancelled, as long as the person remains capable of doing so. The province recommends reviewing plans over time and making sure family, friends, representatives and health-care providers have up-to-date copies.
The My Voice advance care planning guide is available for download from the Province of B.C.’s advance care planning webpage.
