Fifty per cent of Canadians have never talked to family and friends about what they would want if they were ill and could not speak for themselves.
But 100 per cent of us will die. So, what’s the use of avoiding the topic?
You are invited to learn more about advance care planning at an introductory workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 1-3 p.m. hosted by Berwick Comox Valley, 1700 Comox Ave.
Regardless of our age, we can all provide a wonderful gift to our loved ones by completing an advance care plan.
Advance care planning is a process of reflection and communication, a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let others know your future health and personal care preferences in the event that you become incapable of consenting to or refusing treatment or other care.
Having an advance care plan can give us comfort and assurance that our end-of-life wishes will be honoured. It means having conversations with family and friends and designating a representative—the person you want to speak for you if you cannot. It may also include writing down your wishes, and may involve talking with your doctor, financial and legal professionals.
You may never need your advance care plan—but if you do, you’ll be glad that it’s there and that you have had these conversations, to make sure that your voice is heard when you cannot speak for yourself.
For more information and valuable resources about advance care planning visit www.advancecareplaningcv.ca
To RSVP for the workshop the Comox Valley Hospice Society at 250.339.5533.