Chilliwack Hospice Society recognizes Advance Care Planning Day, April 16

Joining organizations across Canada in recognizing ACP Day

On April 16, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins organizations across Canada in recognizing Advance Care Planning Day and encouraging people to think about, talk about and document their wishes for future health and personal care.

Advance care planning helps ensure that if a person cannot speak for themselves, even temporarily, the people closest to them and the health-care team understand what matters most to them.

Advance care planning is not only for older adults or people who are seriously ill. It is for everyone. It is a process of reflecting on your values, wishes and priorities, choosing who could speak on your behalf if needed, and sharing that information before a crisis happens. This year’s national message asks an important question: If Not You, Who? If Not Now, When?

What is advance care planning, and why does it matter?

Advance care planning gives people the opportunity to consider what matters most to them before decisions need to be made under pressure. It can help reduce stress for loved ones, support clearer communication, and guide care that reflects a person’s values and wishes. ACP Canada says it is never too early to begin these conversations.

“Advance care planning is one of the most practical and compassionate things we can do for ourselves and for the people who may one day need to speak for us,” said Deanna Fedorkew, community education manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations can be hard to start, but they matter. When people take time to think about what is important to them and share those wishes clearly, it can reduce stress and uncertainty during some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Why more people need to start the conversation

Recent national polling suggests many people in Canada understand the value of advance care planning, but fewer have taken the next steps.

According to the 2024 Advance Care Planning Canada national poll infographic, 82 per cent of people in Canada believe recording their wishes would help take pressure off loved ones, and 77 per cent agree that having an advance care plan makes them feel relieved. The same poll found that eight in 10 people believe society needs to be more open about talking about illness and death.

At the same time, the poll points to some of the barriers people face. Fifty-seven per cent say thinking about a decline or sudden change in health brings out negative emotions. Nearly half, or 47 per cent, say they do not know where to find information or advice about advance care planning. The poll also found that 43 per cent of people think the best time to plan for future health and personal care needs is while they are healthy.

“We want people to know they do not have to navigate this alone,” Fedorkew said. “Advance care planning is not about having every answer immediately. It is about starting the conversation, learning what options are available, and making sure your voice is known.”

Free workshop this July

To support people in this work, Chilliwack Hospice Society will host its next free, two-part advance care planning workshop on Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chilliwack Hospice Society, 7112 Vedder Road.

These sessions are designed to help participants better understand advance care planning, reflect on their wishes, and begin having meaningful conversations with the people they trust.

“It is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones,” Fedorkew said. “Having a plan in place can ease the burden during stressful times and help ensure that future care reflects your wishes.”

A digital option for planning at home

For those who would prefer to work through the process on their own, ACP Canada also offers the Advance Care Planning Digital Guide. Developed in partnership with Thrive Health, the guide helps people think about what matters most to them and document wishes for health and personal care online. It also includes tools to securely store and share preferences with loved ones and sends yearly reminders to review the plan.

Free community education throughout the year

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care and wellness. Educational workshops are provided for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses in our community.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.