Conversations matter: talk about your wishes and health care values
If something happened to you and you couldn’t speak for yourself, what type of care would you want? Do your loved ones know?
None of us know what tomorrow might bring, or know how our health will be in the future. Planning today makes sure that your wishes are known, no matter what the future holds.
April 16, 2015 is National Advance Care Planning Day. Alberta Health Services (AHS) is encouraging all Albertans to think about, talk about and document your wishes for health care to ensure your voice is heard. It’s a process that can help you make health care decisions now and for the future.
Advance Care Planning, which allows your family or close friends to know what kind of care you would want, may bring comfort and peace of mind to you, your family, and those who have to make health care decisions on your behalf.
We can all benefit from Advance Care Planning. On April 16, take the time to talk to your friends and family about your wishes. If there’s an unexpected event or change in your health and you aren’t able to make decisions about your health care, planning ahead makes sure your wishes are known. Check out AHS’s interactive guide to help you talk about your wishes at http://goals.conversationsmatter.ca/.
Things you can do:
- Learn about Advance Care Planning
- Think about your values and wishes for your health care now and in the future
- Talk with those who you are close to about your values and wishes
- Discuss your wishes with your health care provider
- Consider naming an alternate decision maker or agent
- Complete your personal directive
It’s about making choices for your health care before it becomes a personal crisis, you owe it to yourself and you owe it to your family to think about your health care wishes now. Visit: www.conversationsmatter.ca for more information.