Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, has issued the following statement in recognition of Advance Care Planning Day on April 16, 2021:

“April 16, 2021, marks Advance Care Planning Day, a constant in a year of many challenges. COVID-19 has reminded us all how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. This year, more than ever, Advance Care Planning Day is a chance for people to be empowered about their health-care planning.

“The day highlights the importance of making your health-care wishes known prior to being in a situation where you may no longer be able to speak for yourself.

“Advance care planning involves thinking about and communicating wishes for future health-care treatment to loved ones and health-care providers. When an adult’s wishes and instructions are written down, they are making an advance care plan. Adults who have done advance care planning can feel more confident and have greater peace of mind, knowing they have thought through the types of treatment and interventions they would accept or refuse. Sharing their wishes with loved ones and health-care providers can help them navigate through a difficult time.

“The provincial resource guide; My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment, supports British Columbians by providing information for advance care planning and forms to help individuals develop their own advance care plans.

“The time to have these conversations is now – before you or someone you love becomes sick. Having these conversations now can help reduce the burden your loved ones will carry about whether the decisions they will make for you are what you would want.”