Sarah Grace
Key Summary Points
- Advance Care Plans (ACP) are vital documents that outline our values and wishes for end-of-life (EOL) care. These plans help ensure that medical and health-related decisions align with our preferences, even when we cannot communicate them ourselves.
- Substitute Decision Makers (SDM) or healthcare proxies are individuals we appoint through a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (or similar document) to make medical decisions on our behalf if we become incapacitated. Choosing someone who understands and respects our values is critical to effective EOL planning.
- Having a Will that clearly details our wishes for the distribution of assets and appointing a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs (for managing property and finances) are key components of comprehensive end-of-life planning. These legal instruments protect our estate, minimize family conflicts, and ensure our financial and personal matters are managed as we intend.
- Engaging in “the conversation” with loved ones about EOL preferences is essential. Open dialogue ensures that our values and wishes are understood and honored. It also reduces stress and uncertainty for family members who may need to make decisions on our behalf.
- Discussing and documenting plans for the disposition of our body and the design of our end-of-life ceremony (e.g., burial, cremation, memorial services) can significantly ease the burden on loved ones. Planning ahead provides clarity and allows families to focus on grieving and healing instead of making difficult decisions during a time of emotional distress.
- Psychological benefits of EOL planning include reduced anxiety about the unknown, a greater sense of control over one’s future, and increased family cohesion through open communication. Engaging in these conversations early fosters understanding, reduces the likelihood of conflict, and provides peace of mind to all involved.
- Empathy and shared decision-making are crucial in EOL discussions. These conversations provide opportunities for loved ones to align on values and preferences, promoting emotional support and mutual understanding.
- Revisiting and updating EOL plans periodically ensures they reflect current wishes and circumstances, particularly after major life changes or health events.
Additional Resources
Additional Viewings
The Conversation Project (n.d.-b). Videos. https://theconversationproject.org/videos
Additional Readings
Canada. (n.d.-a). Benefits of estate planning. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/financial-toolkit/financial-planning/financial-planning-4/2.html
Canada. (n.d.-b). Estate planning, wills and dealing with death. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/estate-planning.html
Canada. (n.d.-c). What every older Canadian should know about Powers of attorney (for financial matters and property) and joint bank accounts. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/power-attorney-financial.html
Milestones in hospice palliative care. (n.d.). Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. https://www.chpca.ca/about-hpc/milestones-in-hospice-palliative-care/
Ontario. (n.d.). Apply for probate of an estate. https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-probate-estate
Resources for individuals and families. (n.d.). Speak Up Ontario. https://www.speakupontario.ca/resources-for-individuals-and-families/
Wills & estates. (n.d.). Law Society of Ontario. https://lso.ca/public-resources/your-law-ontario-law-simplified/wills-and-estates
Websites
Death with Dignity Canada. (n.d.). https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/
Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. (n.d.). https://www.hpco.ca/
The Conversation Project. (n.d.) https://theconversationproject.org/
