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Articles on Advance care planning

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You can start these conversations simply, like saying, “I need to think about the future. Can you help me?” Richard Ross/The Image Bank via Getty Images

End-of-life conversations can be hard, but your loved ones will thank you

When you prepare to talk about end-of-life decisions and the legacy you want to leave behind, try thinking about them as gifts you bestow to family and friends.
In a research study, 84 per cent of residents and families who received a pamphlet about end-of-life choices felt encouraged to think about their future care. (Shutterstock)

To die well, we must talk about death before the end of life

The seriously ill and their families often want to protect each other from thoughts of death. Conversation about end-of-life choices are, however, essential to a good death.
In one study of seriously ill older Canadians, 28 per cent of participants wanted “comfort care” (meaning no curative treatments) but this was documented in only four per cent of their charts. (Shutterstock)

Poor communication is compromising care for the dying

Most elderly Canadians do not receive the end-of-life care they desire. A new study hopes to rectify this.
Having an advance care directive ensures your values and wishes are known, even beyond a time when you can no longer speak for yourself. from shutterstock.com

Take control over the end of your life: what you need to know about advance care directives

At least one-third of patients receive non-beneficial treatments at the end of their life. Having a good advance care directive that you share with others helps them know and respect your wishes.

Your Questions Answered on advance care directives

We all have different ideas about the care we want at the end of our life. Some of us want doctors to do whatever it takes to keep us alive. Others don’t want to be kept alive if it means living with significant disability or a poor quality of life.

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