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.

Sources and additional resources

Readers who would like to learn more or review the original materials can visit:

• Advance Care Planning Day – ACP Canada
• Advance Care Planning Digital Guide – ACP Canada
• Advance Care Planning Canada national poll infographic (2024)

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.

Reflecting on what matters most in your life and how that might help guide someone in making the kinds of healthcare decisions you would want can be both helpful and decrease stress for you and your caregiver(s).

Advance care planning is a process of thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and sharing them with the people you trust. It can include choosing who would make care decisions for you if you cannot. Advance care planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

As an important part of life planning—like planning for education, retirement or saving for a vacation⁠—every adult in BC should engage in advance care planning. When life happens, a person’s health can change in an instant. It’s more important than ever to talk to those they trust about their values, beliefs and wishes, to prepare for a time when they may no longer be able make their own medical decisions.

According to 2021 data from the BC Centre for Palliative Care, 76% of British Columbians agree it is important to talk about what matters for the future healthcare, however less than half of those surveyed have discussed their wishes with family and still fewer (14%) have a had a conversation with a health care provider.

“We are encouraging members of the Chilliwack community to start talking about their wishes for their future care,” says Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations are not easy ones to have, but they are very important, and there are resources and support available.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society offers free, two-part in-person workshops to help you or your parent(s) develop an Advance Care Plan, including one’s Beliefs, Values and Wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive. The next sessions are scheduled for August 15 and 22 from 1:00–3:00pm at Chilliwack Hospice Society, located at 7112 Vedder Road. Pre-registration is required.

To learn more about advance care planning and a variety of educational workshops and presentations offered by Chilliwack Hospice Society throughout the year, please call (604) 795-4660 or go to www.chilliwackhospice.org

First Step Grief Support Group begins January 30 and meets weekly for eight weeks. The group is best suited for those who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past six months or year; offering mutual support and socialization for bereaved people wanting the share the journey into change and renewal. It is well-established that grief has no timeline. As such, some First Step group members may choose to begin participating in the weeks following the death of their loved one. In turn, others may find themselves open to the benefits of participating in a grief support group years later and are welcome to do so.

A Traumatic Loss Support Group will continue to meet once monthly on a drop-in basis. The content of this group’s meetings is specifically developed for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to homicide, suicide, drug poisoning, workplace accident, or sudden illness. The next drop-in session for traumatic loss support will be held February 1.

Chilliwack Hospice Society recognizes that significant loss isn’t limited to human connections. Beginning February 14, a supportive space will be created for those grieving the death of a beloved pet. The group will meet once weekly for four weeks and include topics such as normalizing grief, making room to grieve, self-care, the importance of rituals, and memorializing your pet.

In addition to grief support groups, staff and volunteers offer many opportunities for one-to-one support and complementary therapies to assist members of the community through the grieving process. Informal connections with other bereaved individuals and mutual support can be found in Relaxation Program, Supportive Walking Group, and Gentle Chair Yoga sessions.

As part of the organization’s community outreach and education programs, a matinée series of ‘Movies That Move You’ will be shown once monthly, starting with Manchester By The Sea on January 30. Each movie has been selected for its themes of grief and loss and are suitable for adults’ viewing and discussion. Advance Care Planning workshops will continue in 2024 with the next two-part session starting March 21. The writing prompts, worksheets, and group discussion help individuals or their parents develop an Advance Care Plan, including indicating one’s beliefs, values, and wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive.

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one right now, call Chilliwack Hospice Society at (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org to learn more about the one-to-one support, groups and workshops that are currently being offered. Donations are always gratefully accepted at the Thrifty Boutique and online at www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate

For more information, news, and events, join our email newsletter list or follow @ChilliwackHospice on Facebook and Instagram.

A safe, supportive space for displaced Ukrainians who now call Chilliwack home has been created at Chilliwack Hospice Society. The group will meet monthly to assist those affected by the war to process their complicated grief and losses. One-to-one support is also available by appointment for those participating in the group and those who aren’t comfortable with the group setting. In addition to a grief support group dedicated to these newcomers to Chilliwack, Hospice Society staff will be facilitating three other grief support groups during the winter months.

First Step Grief Support Group begins February 7 and meets weekly for eight weeks. The group is best suited those who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past six months or year; offering mutual support and socialization for bereaved people wanting the share the journey into change and renewal. It is well-established that grief has no timeline. As such, some First Step group members may choose to begin participating weeks following the death of their loved one. In turn, others may find themselves open to the benefits of participating in a grief support group years later.  A Traumatic Loss Support Group will also begin meeting in February with the exact dates to be decided. The content of this group’s meetings is specifically developed for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to homicide, suicide, drug poisoning, workplace accident, or sudden illness.

Chilliwack Hospice Society recognizes that significant loss isn’t limited to human connections. Beginning February 22, a supportive space will be created for those grieving the death of a beloved pet. The staff-led grief support group will meet once weekly for four weeks and include participation from the Society’s university practicum students. Students of social work, counselling psychology, child and youth care, and other fields offer a wonderful exchange of knowledge and experience for staff, volunteers, clients, and students alike, and will be contributing to grief support groups – First Step, Traumatic Loss, and Grieving the Death of a Pet.

“In addition to our grief support groups, staff and volunteers offer many opportunities for one-to-one support and complementary therapies to assist members of our community through the grieving process,” Lucy Fraser, director of programs, says. “Informal connections with other bereaved individuals and mutual support can be found in our Relaxation Program, Supportive Walking Group, and Gentle Chair Yoga sessions, as well as our many volunteer opportunities.”

As part of the organization’s community outreach and education programs, a new matinée series of ‘Movies That Move You’ will be shown once monthly, starting with Collateral Beauty on January 24. Each movie has been selected for its themes of grief and loss and are suitable for adults’ viewing and discussion. Advance Care Planning workshops have also been well-received by the community and will continue in 2023 with the next two-part session starting February 16. The writing prompts, worksheets, and group discussion help individuals or their parents develop an Advance Care Plan, including indicating one’s beliefs, values, and wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive.

Exemplifying the real impact Hospice Society programs and services are having on the Chilliwack community, was once again named a finalist for Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Also in December, Child & Youth Program Manager Franceska Hills was recognized by Murray Mazda as a ‘Local Community Legend’ and received $2,500 in arts supplies toward the Society’s children’s programs.

“Our staff and volunteers at Chilliwack Hospice Society, with support from our dedicated board of directors, continues to build our programming and expand our outreach efforts; providing heartfelt support to more adults, teens, and children who are dying or grieving,” Executive Director Sue Knott says. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued benevolence of individual donors, sponsors, and grants which enable us to meet the increasing demand for our services from the community.”

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one right now, call Chilliwack Hospice Society at (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org to learn more about the one-to-one support, groups and workshops that are currently being offered. Donations are always gratefully accepted at the Thrifty Boutique and online at www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate

For more information, news, and events, join our email newsletter list or follow Chilliwack Hospice Society on Facebook and Instagram.

According to the BC Centre for Palliative Care, over three quarters of British Columbians agree that it’s important to talk about what matters most of them about their future health care, but less than half have talked with their family, and fewer still (14%) have had a conversation with a health care provider.

Advance care planning is a process of thinking about your values, beliefs, and wishes for future health and personal care, and sharing them with the people you trust. It can include choosing who would make care decisions for you if you cannot. Advance care planning can help you get the care that’s right for you, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

As an important part of life planning—like planning for education, retirement or saving for a vacation⁠—every adult in BC should engage in advance care planning.

When life happens, a person’s health can change in an instant. It’s more important than ever to talk to those they trust about their values, beliefs and wishes, to prepare for a time when they may no longer be able make their own medical decisions.

“We are encouraging members of the Chilliwack community to start talking about their wishes for their future care,” says Laurie McNaught, co-facilitator of the advance care planning workshops for Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These conversations are not easy ones to have, but there are resources and support available.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society will be offering free, two-part in-person workshops to help you or your parent(s) develop an Advance Care Plan, including one’s Beliefs, Values and Wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive. There are two sets of sessions to choose from:

• July 18 & 25, 2022 | 1–3pm
• November 17 & 24, 2022 | 7–9pm

Registration is required as space is limited. Please call Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email laurie@chilliwackhospice.org to register or request more information.

Here is what some of our clients had to say:

“Thank you, Laurie and Sue! Who knows how long we would have put this off without your help!”

“Thank you so much for helping us to get our end-of-life plans in order legally. I have booked our appointment at the end of April with the lawyer to do our wills and everything all at once. Thank you for the motivation!”

“I appreciate that your sessions made me feel better about the support I gave my mom at the end of her life and reaffirmed my actions taken and decisions made on her behalf.”

“What really was the best part for me is that you were both so caring and compassionate. This made a difficult topic easier to deal with.”