Advance Care Planning Resources

Thinking ahead and talking about what matters to you if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Values are the things that guide your choices, such as independence, comfort, faith, family, or being at home. Wishes describe what you would want in particular circumstances and can be spoken or written.

In Ontario, an SDM makes health-care decisions when a person is not capable of making the specific decision. Ontario’s Health Care Consent Act establishes a hierarchy of who may act.

An Ontario legal document through which a capable person can appoint someone to make personal-care decisions if the person later becomes incapable. Personal care can include health care, nutrition, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and safety.

An Ontario legal document that gives an appointed attorney authority over financial matters within the terms of the document.

Capacity is decision-specific and can change. In health-care consent, it generally concerns whether a person can understand the relevant information and appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of a decision or lack of decision.

Consent is permission for treatment or a care plan. Informed consent requires information about the nature of the treatment, expected benefits, material risks and side effects, alternatives, and likely consequences of not receiving it.

A wish expressed while capable may guide an SDM when it applies to the specific circumstances. The Health Care Consent Act sets out the SDM’s legal obligations.

Goals of care describe the overall focus of care. Quality of life reflects what makes life meaningful or acceptable to the individual.

Life-sustaining treatment may support or replace vital body functions. Resuscitation refers to emergency attempts to restart breathing or circulation. Discuss risks, likely outcomes, and individual preferences with the health-care team.

Comfort care focuses on symptom relief. Palliative care aims to improve quality of life during serious illness and can be provided alongside other treatment. Hospice services focus on comfort and support, often near end of life.

An independent Ontario tribunal that hears certain matters involving capacity, consent, substitute decision-making, and related issues.

An Ontario office with responsibilities involving mentally incapable adults, estates, and other legal functions. Its role depends on the situation and applicable law.