What is an Advance Directive?

Advance Directive Information

End-of-life planning makes sense. Call us today to learn how we can help or get started now with our online pre-planning tool, Pre-Arrange Online.

Advance Directives

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of living responsibly, which involves preparing for the realities of life. While we believe making the decisions involved in funeral pre-planning is one reflection of a responsible mindset, we also know the critical importance of completing an advance directive.

Sometimes called advance care directives, these document ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the future.

Defined as "a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment," advance directives, when properly signed and witnessed, will provide guidance for medical and health care decisions in the event the individual becomes incompetent and can no longer make such decisions.

Other Things to Know About Advance Directives

Advance directives are legal throughout Canada.
Governing laws vary so be sure to obtain an advance directive that complies with your province's laws.
You do not need an attorney to complete an advance directive.
If you reside in more than one province, you should complete an advance directive for each province where you spend a significant amount of time.
There are no time limitations on advance directives. A signed advance directive remains in force until a new one is completed.
Periodically review your advance directive to make sure it still reflects your desires. If it doesn't, don't try to amend it; simply complete a new one.
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians cannot recognize or honour a living will or medical power of attorney. They are obligated to do their best to stabilize the patient and get them to the hospital. When you are in the care of hospital personnel, your advance directive becomes valid.

What's Involved in Preparing an Advance Directive?

Dying with Dignity Canada explains that "writing an Advance Care Plan involves much more than simply filling out a form. It is essential to take time for reflection and discussion to ensure your Plan reflects your values, beliefs and wishes."

There are many resources available online to assist and guide you in writing your Advance Directive.

advance directives notebook with pencils

Where to Obtain an Advance Directive Form

It's fairly easy to get a copy of the advance care directive form for your province. Your local hospital is a reliable source, as federal law requires every hospital to not only provide information about advance directives to people in their service area, they are also required to share valuable information about the related laws in your province. Contact your local hospital to learn more. Your family physician may also have advance directive forms available for patients.

You will need to have the advance directive witnessed and notarized. If you do not have access to a notary, you can find one using either of the following websites:

Dying with Dignity Canada also offers Advance Care Planning Kits to assist you in making your advance care directive.

Your Digital Legacy

Social Media has changed how we talk to one another, and has made the world much smaller.

We all know that 'getting our affairs in order' means banks and property and a Will.

Do you know that it also means you need to take care of what you do on the Web?

It is important that someone is aware of ALL your passwords. Don't forget the ones that lock your phone, tablets or other devices too.

You also should be aware of your digital rights and the policies of the providers when it comes to closing accounts or access.

Also take a look into how we can honour your loved one with an online memorial.

Taking Care of Your Pets

If you share your life with animal companions, you should think about who you would like to take care of your pets. Consult with the person to see if this is something they are interested in doing for you and then write down your intentions and include all contact information. This should be signed and witnessed, and then given to your executor.

Final Tasks in Funeral Pre-Planning

In addition to your will, the contact list, and the list of all your online account login details and related documents should be provided to your executor.

Finally, you may want to consider paying ahead of time for your funeral choices. Speak to us about how your pre-payment monies will be handled.

Using the Online Pre Planning Tool

This website features Pre-Arrange Online, a step-by-step interactive form that can be used to record your end-of-life plan and send the completed form to our staff for safekeeping. You'll be asked to create an account with a username and password so you can login at any time to complete or change the plan.

Turn to the Professionals

Many people are more comfortable making these decisions with funeral professionals. If you would like us to help, call us at 204-949-2200 or send us an email using the contact us form.

Source:

www.seniors.gov.on.ca

www.dyingwithdignity.ca

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