Buy the farm. Pushing up daisies. Whatever you want to call death — many of us are uncomfortable talking about it. But could we actually benefit from confronting our mortality head on? For most of us, we want time, and lots of it, to live on this earth. However, more and more people are realizing that actually talking about death can add value to life.
“Whether you are young or young at heart, now is the time for you to make or review your advance care plan to make sure your voice is heard and your loved ones have the confidence to speak on your behalf about the health care you would want if you are unable to speak for yourself,” said Joyce Kuhn, a semi-retired critical care nurse, who now facilitates advance care planning workshops.
We know dying is not the easiest subject to talk about, but there’s a 100 per cent chance that it’s going to happen to you. Imagine, one day, without any warning, you find yourself in a hospital in a life-threatening situation, unable to communicate. Who would speak for you and make health care decisions on your behalf? We never know when our circumstances might unexpectedly change.
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.
Learn more about advance care planning at an introductory workshop on Saturday, Sept. 8, 1-3 p.m., or Thursday, Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1825 Comox Ave.
To register for these sessions or access other advance care planning information, contact the Comox Valley Hospice Society at 250-339-5533 or reception@comoxhospice.com. For more information,visit www.AdvanceCarePlanningCV.ca