Winter Lunch & Learn Series

“Helping People Prepare for the Unexpected: Advance Serious Illness Planning.”

Dr. Daren Heyland, Critical care physician, Professor of Medicine at Queen’s University and internationally renowned researcher, Daren is also the founder of Plan Well Guide

Advance Serious Illness Planning is putting your values, goals and preferences into a document, so when you are ill and can no longer make decisions, your doctors, substitute decision-maker and your family can refer to them.

Serious illness, like COVID-19 pneumonia, a major car accident, or a severe stroke, can happen at any time. With all serious illnesses, there is a probability you can die, but there is also a probability you can recover. It is likely you will be so sick that you are unable to communicate, but there will be important medical decisions that need to be made about the care you receive. The doctors will look to your family members for help in making these decisions that have life and death consequences. Who would speak for you? And, do they know what your values and preferences are? If they don’t know your values and preferences, they will suffer tremendous stress and anxiety and you may not get the medical care that is right for you. The sad reality is that in hospitals today, lots of medical errors happen where people are getting the wrong medical care, which adds to suffering and distress.

By planning your medical care in advance and sharing information with your family members, you can significantly reduce their stress and anxiety when they are called upon to make decisions for you. And, you are more likely to get the medical care that is right for you!

“A session on health care decision-making along the care spectrum, including to end of life.”

Krista James, National Director, Canadian Centre for Elder Law, British Columbia Law Institute

Speaking to mental capacity and health and personal care decision-making law in BC. Covering supported and substitute decision-making, including the role, rights, and responsibilities of representatives, guardians/committees, and family caregivers, and the right of people with disabilities and illnesses to be involved in decision-making to the best of their abilities even where they may not have legal capacity for independent decision-making on an ongoing basis.