Advance Care Planning

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What are people saying about ACP?

Individuals (patients, family)

"You know, it's never easy... But it has to be faced, we all live, we all die."

"For me it was really freeing (completing the “My Voice” workbook). There was that wonderful sense of relief, that I did it, and sooner rather than later. I am just really happy that I did it."

"It was so pleasant to have someone to talk to about this."

“Everyone should have the choice and they should also make their wishes known. No one should ever have to guess at how you feel or what you want done. It takes the burden off everyone, and it also ensures that you have things done the way you want to, rather than the way somebody thinks you want to have them done.”

“If you made your decisions all your life, why on earth would you want to have somebody else to make the most important decisions for you?”

“It certainly is advantageous. It does bring families together. We may not agree with it, but that is fine. That main part is that family members are aware of what each other want.”

Trained Facilitators

“I always thought that patients never wanted to talk about end of life issues. After taking the training, I realized it was me who never wanted to bring it up. Now that I am ok with it, I have had the most wonderful conversations! People really open up and tell me how much better they feel knowing that they have made their plans.”

"It has been great working with you and learning that talking about death can be so good. It completely changed my view and confidence in talking about death and choices for the end of life."

"There is huge power is this (advance care planning) and comfort, because the person dying wants to know that they are going to be ok. But they really want to know that everybody else in the family is going to be OK too."

Physicians

“We have been doing the same sorts of things in a more clumsy way. It is more difficult on our part and causes more emotional trauma on patients. (The training) helps everyone speak the same language.”

"There is value in having a longer conversation (the time together was greater than the sum of its parts).”

Facilities

We're Respecting Traditions

Director of Care Jane Tse and Pastor Po Leung have worked with Wing Kei Care Centre residents since it opened in 2005 (Pictured in photo on right). Together they have introduced advance care planning in a way that respects the traditional frameworks regarding end of life and family decision-making. Their early steps focused on staff education and a presentation to the Family Council. Gus Chan was a member then and notes it was well received. Now a director on the Wing Kei Board, Chan learned the need for advance care planning when his mother suffered an injury. As the youngest in his family, Chan was sensitive to the tradition of the oldest son being the family decision-maker in such situations. It meant that Chan was on the phone "all the time" with his older brother in New York and his sister in Hong Kong helping them understand her previous wishes and current medical condition.

His situation is not unique. Many Chinese seniors in Calgary have children who live in other countries. When a medical event occurs, the eldest child may still be the decision-maker. He has witnessed families struggle with what to do when an unexpected illness or accident occurred. "It's important for seniors to talk with their kids about these issues," Chan said. "You don't want to hurt your kids or worse have a family broken by disagreement."

Culturally seniors do not make such decisions for themselves. Tse and Leung understand the challenges elders face and help families move from "I love my parents and know what is best" to decision-making that considers the views of elders while understanding care that is clinically appropriate. "I ask them to prepare their heart to share how they see things and feel about these matters, so they are able to say to their children they are not afraid and they know their children love them," Lueng said.

Letter of Gratitude

We've had success using the "My Voice-Planning Ahead" workbook. One of our clients did have a workbook in place while he was in the hospital. He passed away and the Drop-In staff were able to ensure his wishes were followed. - E-mail from the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre

Archived Supported Living Newsletters

Advance Care Planning Home Current Highlights Advance Care Planning: Goals of Care Designation Policy Background Advance Care Planning Tools Goals of Care & Goals of Care Designations Forms & Processes Education Resources FAQ's Related Publications, Reports & Research Pediatrics Links Contact Us	Advance Care Planning Current Highlights For Your Information... Let us know what you think Click on the link below to tell us about your experiences with Advance Care Planning myvoice@albertahealthservices.ca What are people saying about ACP? Individuals (patients, family) "You know, it's never easy... But it has to be faced, we all live, we all die." "For me it was really freeing (completing the “My Voice” workbook). There was that wonderful sense of relief, that I did it, and sooner rather than later. I am just really happy that I did it." "It was so pleasant to have someone to talk to about this." “Everyone should have the choice and they should also make their wishes known. No one should ever have to guess at how you feel or what you want done. It takes the burden off everyone, and it also ensures that you have things done the way you want to, rather than the way somebody thinks you want to have them done.” “If you made your decisions all your life, why on earth would you want to have somebody else to make the most important decisions for you?” “It certainly is advantageous. It does bring families together. We may not agree with it, but that is fine. That main part is that family members are aware of what each other want.” Trained Facilitators “I always thought that patients never wanted to talk about end of life issues. After taking the training, I realized it was me who never wanted to bring it up. Now that I am ok with it, I have had the most wonderful conversations! People really open up and tell me how much better they feel knowing that they have made their plans.” "It has been great working with you and learning that talking about death can be so good. It completely changed my view and confidence in talking about death and choices for the end of life." "There is huge power is this (advance care planning) and comfort, because the person dying wants to know that they are going to be ok. But they really want to know that everybody else in the family is going to be OK too." Physicians “We have been doing the same sorts of things in a more clumsy way. It is more difficult on our part and causes more emotional trauma on patients. (The training) helps everyone speak the same language.” "There is value in having a longer conversation (the time together was greater than the sum of its parts).” Facilities We're Respecting Traditions Director of Care Jane Tse and Pastor Po Leung have worked with Wing Kei Care Centre residents since it opened in 2005 (Pictured in photo on right). Together they have introduced advance care planning in a way that respects the traditional frameworks regarding end of life and family decision-making. Their early steps focused on staff education and a presentation to the Family Council. Gus Chan was a member then and notes it was well received. Now a director on the Wing Kei Board, Chan learned the need for advance care planning when his mother suffered an injury. As the youngest in his family, Chan was sensitive to the tradition of the oldest son being the family decision-maker in such situations. It meant that Chan was on the phone "all the time" with his older brother in New York and his sister in Hong Kong helping them understand her previous wishes and current medical condition. His situation is not unique. Many Chinese seniors in Calgary have children who live in other countries. When a medical event occurs, the eldest child may still be the decision-maker. He has witnessed families struggle with what to do when an unexpected illness or accident occurred. "It's important for seniors to talk with their kids about these issues," Chan said. "You don't want to hurt your kids or worse have a family broken by disagreement." Culturally seniors do not make such decisions for themselves. Tse and Leung understand the challenges elders face and help families move from "I love my parents and know what is best" to decision-making that considers the views of elders while understanding care that is clinically appropriate. "I ask them to prepare their heart to share how they see things and feel about these matters, so they are able to say to their children they are not afraid and they know their children love them," Lueng said. Letter of Gratitude We've had success using the "My Voice-Planning Ahead" workbook. One of our clients did have a workbook in place while he was in the hospital. He passed away and the Drop-In staff were able to ensure his wishes were followed. - E-mail from the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre Archived Supported Living Newsletters Summer 2008 May 2008 March 2008 January 2008 December 2007
	E-mail comments to Advance Care Planning Webmaster. Page last updated on: June 07, 2010