10 Reasons You Need an Advance Care Plan

1. Advance Care Planning (ACP) allows individuals to express their preferences and values for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
2. Ensures that medical treatments align with an individual’s personal values and beliefs.
3. Reduces the burden and stress on family members and loved ones during a medical crisis.
4. Prevents unnecessary medical treatments or prolonging of life in situations where an individual’s quality of life may be severely impacted.
5. Clarifies an individual’s wishes for end-of-life care.
6. Prevents family conflicts over medical decisions.
7. Ensures that the individual’s wishes are respected and followed by healthcare providers.
8. Helps with financial planning, as certain medical treatments can be expensive and may not align with an individual’s wishes.
9. Gives the individual peace of mind knowing that their wishes will be respected in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
10. Documents an individual’s wishes for the best possible care in their final days, rather than prolonging an unbearable situation.

Michael Williams, Ph.D. is an accredited End-of-Life Planning Facilitator. He is a Senior Facilitator and Trainer for Before I Go Solutions (beforeigosolutions.com) one of the leading providers of EOL resources, training, and support. He is a member of NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Association) and the Death Doula Association of Canada. He currently lives in Hamilton Ontario. Contact Dr. Williams at michael@myendoflifeplan.ca