Advance Directives and End-of-Life Planning
Learn how to document your healthcare preferences, plan for incapacity, and make sure your end-of-life wishes are known and respected.
Why End-of-Life Planning Matters
End-of-life planning allows you to make healthcare and personal care decisions in advance—before a medical emergency or loss of capacity occurs. These plans help your loved ones understand what you want if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. They can reduce stress, avoid confusion, and ensure you remain in control of your care.
A Living Will (also called an advance directive or personal directive in some provinces) is a written statement of your preferences for medical treatment and care near the end of life. It often works alongside a Power of Attorney for Personal Care to provide full clarity about how decisions should be made.
Preparing for the Unexpected
No one likes to imagine a time when they can’t speak or decide for themselves—but preparing for that possibility is a gift to both you and your family. It ensures that your care reflects your values and beliefs, and gives those around you peace of mind when faced with difficult decisions.
End-of-life planning is especially important if you have strong feelings about certain types of treatment, wish to avoid prolonged suffering, or want to outline spiritual or personal wishes in your care.
Why It’s Worth Planning
Creating a Living Will or end-of-life plan helps you:
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Maintain control over your medical care and personal decisions
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Communicate your wishes clearly to family and healthcare providers
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Avoid unnecessary or unwanted treatments
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Reduce stress and uncertainty for loved ones in crisis situations
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Ensure that your end-of-life care reflects your personal values
Taking time to plan ahead can make a difficult time more manageable for everyone involved.
Foundations of Living Wills & End-of-Life Planning
These articles explain the essential elements of documenting your care preferences and planning for medical incapacity:
- What Is a Living Will?: Learn what a Living Will is, how it works, and what kinds of medical decisions it can cover.
- What Is an End-of-Life Plan?: Explore how to create a comprehensive plan for your final care, spiritual or emotional wishes, and support for loved ones.
- Is an End-of-Life Plan Legally Binding?: Find out how different documents are treated under the law, and which ones must be followed by healthcare providers.