Someday, you may need to make medical decisions on behalf of a family member or friend, perhaps during a time of crisis. Would you know what to say or do?
A Substitute Decision Maker (or SDM) is an individual chosen to make medical decisions on behalf of another person if they are unable to do so for themselves. It’s an important part of advance care planning, a process of reflecting on and communicating your future health care wishes to others. Legal requirements regarding Substitute Decision Makers are different in each province and territory.
If you are a Substitute Decision Maker (or think you might be) for a friend or family member, it’s important to ask yourself these questions:
• Do I understand what’s important to my loved one? Do I know their health and personal care wishes?
• Am I willing to communicate those wishes, even if they aren’t what I would choose?
• Am I able to communicate clearly with health care professionals and ask questions?
• Can I make difficult decisions, even during stressful times?
• Do I know the legal requirements in my province/territory?
Louise Hanvey, the project director for the Advance Care Planning in Canada Initiative, says that the most important step for Substitute Decision Makers is to get talking. “Research has shown that advance care planning significantly reduces stress, depression and anxiety in family members and caregivers who know the wishes of their family members and friends, and can act with confidence if needed.”
The Initiative’s Speak Up website (www.advancecareplanning.ca) has a number of resources, including workbooks, videos, wallet cards and conversation starters, as well as resources and information about legal requirements and local resources in each province and territory. A national interactive workbook is also available at www.myspeakupplan.ca.
Hanvey notes that Substitute Decision Makers shouldn’t forget about their own wishes either. “You never know what the future brings,” she says. “Make sure that your family and friends know what’s important to you.”
Check out the British Columbia advanced care website at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/advance-care-planning
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is a national, bilingual charitable non-profit association with membership comprised of individuals and hospice palliative care programs and services from every province and territory. The CHPCA is a member of the National Advance Care Planning Task Group, comprised of representatives from a number of organizations and professions across Canada. The Task Group has collaborated to develop Advance Care Planning in Canada: A National Framework and Implementation and the Speak Up campaign.
– Globe Newswire