Advance Care Planning

Planning for the future is important, especially when it comes to your health. Putting in place an advance care directive can give you peace of mind knowing that those caring for you understand your treatment choices if you are unable to make the decisions at the time.

What is an advance care plan?

An advance care plan (sometimes called a Living Will or Advance Directive) is the legal set of directions for your medical care should you become too ill or injured to communicate or make decisions.

The benefits of preparing an advance care plan vary from person to person. Some benefits may include:

• Giving the gift of guidance, confidence, and strength to those closest to you in the event that you become ill and they have to speak for you.
• Reducing the emotional distress on those closest to you.
• Providing clear instructions for health-care providers and others who may have to make decisions for you.
• Learning about and choosing from the options available for your health-care in a variety of situations.
• Ensuring that you receive medical care that supports your values, faith or traditions.
• Preventing the use of medical procedures that may prolong your life unnecessarily.

My Voice

My Voice - Your guide to advance care planning

My Voice is a guide that provides you with the information you need to make informed choices about your future health care - ahead of time. It contains useful information on how to make the decisions that are right for you:

• How to hold the discussions with your loved ones who are a necessary part of your future planning.
• How to inform your doctor and nearest relatives of your wishes.

My Voice also contains a template that you can use to complete an advance care plan. You can download your copy of My Voice in the Resource section on this page.

Coming Full Circle: Planning for your care

Coming Full Circle: Planning for your care is another resource that helps you to reflect on your values, beliefs and wishes for care and to share this information with your loved ones and health-care providers before a medical crisis happens. It may not be easy to think about, but doing so now can help you, your family and your health-care providers ensure you get the care you want. 

The booklet linked in the Resource section on this page will help you think through what is important to you, what concerns you have, and who you want to make decisions for you if a time comes when you cannot make decisions for yourself.

Speak UP Canada - it's about conversations, it's about wishes

Speak UP Canada provides additional resources on advance care planning for families and individuals. Advance care planning is a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let people know what kind of health and personal care you would want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself. 

We encourage you to watch this video to help start the conversation. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or need more information about advance care planning, please email info@saskcancer.ca or call us to speak with a member of your health-care team:

• Allan Blair Cancer Centre: 306-766-2213
• Saskatoon Cancer Centre: 306-655-2662