Hospice Care – Advance Care Plan
An Advance Care Plan is a way to share your wishes for future healthcare. It can be spoken or written, and it reflects what matters most to you—your values, beliefs, and preferences. Creating this plan means having a meaningful conversation with someone you trust, so they can understand and honour your wishes if a time comes when you’re unable to speak for yourself. This trusted person is called a Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).
In Ontario, everyone has an SDM—often a close family member —as outlined in the Health Care Consent Act. If you would prefer someone else to take on this role, you can choose them by completing a document called a Power of Attorney for Personal Care. This allows you to name the person or people you feel most comfortable with to make decisions on your behalf.
Taking the time to create an Advance Care Plan and clearly identify your SDM can bring peace of mind—for you and for those who care about you. It helps ensure that any decisions about your care reflect your wishes and are made with confidence and respect.
For more information on Advance Care Planning, including a sample plan and access to a free Power of Attorney kit, please visit:
