Earlier in 2014, the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), in collaboration with Harris Decima, released the results of a Canada-wide survey focusing on perceptions of palliative care in Canada.
Even as Canada’s population continues to age, the survey discovered that less than a third of Canadians are aware that provincial health systems offer palliative care. There is even some confusion about what palliative care is in Canada.
One thing that palliative care is not, for example, is euthanasia. However many people link both together.
Common questions answered during the palliative care planning process include:
- What will I want or need at the end of life?
- Will I suffer pain and need medication to manage my symptoms?
- How can I let my family & friends know my wishes and preferences for end of life care?
- What help is available to me?
- Will I suffer from a chronic illness and feel like a burden to others?
- What decisions will I have to make?
Planning ahead can also ensure caregivers have enough time to apply for entitlements such as the Canadian Compassionate Care Benefit, which pays benefits to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill.
Planning your end of life years or even decades in advance has financial and emotional benefits – this website provides a useful introduction to advance care planning.
Our wills and estates lawyers can help with advance care planning as well.