What Is Advance Care Planning | Educational Videos | How to Start | Why Advance Care Planning Matters

At Windsor Family Health Team, we believe your values and wishes should guide your healthcare — today and in the future.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) helps you prepare for a time when you may not be able to make medical decisions yourself.

It is not just about making decisions. It is about preparing you, your family, and your healthcare team.

Advance Care Planning is the process of:

• Reflecting on your values and what matters most to you.
• Communicating your wishes with trusted loved ones and healthcare providers.
• Documenting your preferences and choosing a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM).

✔ It’s for everyone, at any stage of life.
✔ It’s about living well, not just planning for emergencies.
✔ It’s an ongoing conversation, not a one-time event.

Learn more from Advance Care Planning Ontario: About ACP

Short, powerful videos to help you understand and start your own plan:

https://www.advancecareplanningontario.ca/resources/educational-videos

1. Reflect
   What does a good quality of life mean to you?

• “If I were seriously ill, what would be most important to me?”
• “Are there any treatments I definitely would or would not want?”
• “Who would I trust to make healthcare decisions for me if I couldn’t?”

2. Discuss
   Start a conversation with your loved ones and our healthcare team during your appointment.

3. Document
   Write down your wishes and choose a trusted person (substitute decision maker) to speak for you.

• Our team can also provide you with a workbook and helpful resources during your visit.
• Ask any member of our team while you are here for your appointment!

Advance Care Planning:

• Gives you control — Your voice guides your healthcare, even if you can’t speak for yourself.
• Eases the burden on loved ones — They won’t have to guess what you would have wanted.
• Builds trust with your healthcare team — Providers can honour your wishes more clearly.
• Improves care quality — Decisions are based on what matters most to you, not assumptions.

Starting the conversation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

To learn more, please visit: Advance Care Planning Ontario