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¡®If you have that conversation now, it will give you comfort¡¯

Story by Kim Bradley | Photo by Leah Hennel

Helping patients and families understand the benefits of advance care planning before they reach ¡®that crisis moment¡¯ is something volunteer Gwenn Boryski does often.

In her capacity as an AHS volunteer, and as a former patient advisor, Gwenn has facilitated conversations between staff, patients and families about serious illness. But her passion and understanding has only grown since it became personal.

¡°Like many adult Â鶹ӳ»­ns, I¡¯ve had some deaths in the family that were preceded by illness, among those I¡¯ve loved the most. Because they had an Advance Care Pan (ACP), I was able to focus on caring for my loved when they were sick and grieving afterwards, because I didn¡¯t have to worry about the business side of things,¡± adds Boryski.

¡°It¡¯s a great kindness to your people if you tell them ahead of a crisis that this is what you want. It takes the burden off of the caregivers and it makes sure your wishes are honoured.¡±

Advance care planning is more than writing a will or identifying a power of attorney. Planning also involves recording your wishes for medical care, resuscitative care, and your comfort care should you become unable to speak for yourself. You don¡¯t have to be elderly or critically ill to write these, either.

April 16 is , and a day on which every Canadian is encouraged to have these conversations with their families and loved ones.

¡°If you have that conversation now, it will give you comfort, even though it¡¯s uncomfortable at the time,¡± says Boryski.

Dr. James Silvius, senior medical director for AHS Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care, says writing advance care plans for the whole family at once is a great way to ease the discomfort and fear.

¡°Planning as a family enables you to have those conversations all at once and share your wishes collectively,¡± he adds. ¡°It¡¯s the best thing to do for your loved ones before decision-making becomes emotional and a real burden. Sometime difficult conversations are the most caring ones you can have.¡±

To learn more about developing an Advance Care Plan or to have your questions answered, visit Advance Care Planning on the AHS website.