Every year on April 16, Canadians are encouraged to reflect on a powerful question: If you couldn’t speak for yourself in a medical emergency, who would you trust to make decisions on your behalf?
Today, on Advance Care Planning Day in Canada, Chilliwack Hospice Society joins individuals and organizations across Canada in raising awareness about the importance of planning for future health care decisions. Advance care planning is more than just a document — it’s a process of thinking about your values, wishes, and beliefs, and then sharing those with the people you trust, including your health care providers.
“In B.C., over three-quarters of people agree it’s important to talk about what matters most in future health care,” says Deanna Fedorkew, Community Outreach & Education Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “Yet less than half have had those conversations with their families, and even fewer with their health care team. We want to help people change that.”
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning includes choosing a substitute decision maker — someone who knows what matters to you and can speak for you if you’re unable to communicate. In B.C., the law outlines a list of people who may be asked to make decisions on your behalf if no plan is in place. But without knowing your wishes, those decisions may not reflect what you truly want. Creating an advance care plan ensures that your voice is heard, even if you can’t speak for yourself.
Upcoming Workshops: Learn How to Create Your Plan
Chilliwack Hospice Society offers free educational workshops to help individuals and families understand the process of advance care planning and take steps toward creating their own plan. The next two-part workshop will be held:
🗓️ Monday, July 15 & Wednesday, July 17
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Chilliwack Hospice Society – 7112 Vedder Road
These sessions are interactive and informative, designed to empower people with the knowledge and tools to begin or continue their planning conversations.
Deanna adds, “It’s not always an easy topic to approach, but it’s one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones. Having a plan in place can ease the burden during stressful times and ensure that your care reflects your wishes.”
For more information about the workshops or to access resources about advance care planning, please contact Deanna Fedorkew at (604) 795-4660 or email deanna@chilliwackhospice.org.
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.
