Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail: Advance Care Planning Explained
Advance Care Planning is really about peace of mind.
Advance Care Planning might sound like a heavy topic, but it’s really about peace of mind. Picture this: you’re active, enjoying time with friends, maybe traveling around Alberta’s national parks. Then life happens, and you need medical care that someone else has to decide on for you. An Advance Care Plan is your chance to shape that story and ensure your voice is heard, even when you can’t speak for yourself.
Why Advance Care Plan Matters for Alberta Seniors
Many Calgary seniors assume our health-care system will manage every aspect of their care if a crisis hits. While we do have a robust public system, you might be surprised to learn how many decisions fall into a grey area—especially when it comes to personal preferences, finances, or long-term care. Having an Advance Care Plan in place means your family won’t have to guess at your wishes. It also means less stress for everyone, and a better chance that your final years will reflect the life you truly want.
The Real Challenge: We Don’t Like Thinking About Aging
Susan Smed, founder of The Advance Agency, has witnessed what happens when seniors wait too long to plan:
“In my experience, we rarely address the need for an advance care plan because we don’t want to think about the likely inevitability that someday we will need assistance with daily living. Canadians often assume that our public healthcare system will provide everything we need should the time arrive when we need support. In most cases we simply aren’t aware of the investment required, both of our time and finances, to research the myriad providers and to secure the best products and/or services to address our specific needs. Uninformed decisions are common, while in crisis, when an immediate solution is needed due to a health emergency.”
One moment, you’re feeling fit and capable. The next, you’re scrambling to find a Calgary home care provider or deciding on a long-term care facility in the middle of a stressful hospital stay. Planning ahead means fewer surprises and far less drama.
Getting Started
In Alberta, advance care planning typically involves writing a Personal Directive, naming someone you trust to act as your agent if you lose decision-making capacity, and discussing your Goals of Care with health-care providers (MyHealth.Alberta.ca). You should consider whether you’d like all possible medical interventions or if you prefer a comfort-focused approach. It’s also essential to talk openly with family members so they understand your choices.
But an Advance Care Plan isn’t just about medical decisions. It’s also about planning your finances and exploring resources that might support you as you age. For instance, you might discover you qualify for certain financial assistance programs designed specifically for seniors. If you’re looking to learn more about ways you could unlock these supports, check out our post on Alberta Seniors Benefits. You might be surprised how much help is available once you know where to look.
Common Pitfalls
Even a great Advance Care Plan can fall short if no one knows where to find it or if it’s never updated. Your health preferences may change over time, so make sure to revisit your plan after any major health event. Another pitfall is failing to budget for the later stages of retirement. Many people assume their expenses will go down as they age, but in reality, monthly costs often rise once you need extra help or medical services at home.
It’s easy to plan for the fun side of retirement—like golfing and traveling—only to be caught off guard by the financial demands of 24 hour home care or long term care facilities. Since most Calgary seniors would prefer to stay at home if possible, its wise to factor in the potential costs of Calgary home care, from housekeeping and meal prep to personal care or medication assistance. If you’re wondering how to make the most of what Alberta Health Services offers, check out our post, 4 Ways to Maximize Your Alberta Health Services Home Care Benefits.
How The Advance Agency Can Help
That’s where The Advance Agency comes in. They’ll walk you through the ins and outs of planning, including the financial side of things, because the Advance Care Plan isn’t just about “Do Not Resuscitate” forms. It’s about envisioning your entire life as you grow older. They have an extensive library of resources to help you find the best services and products that fit your personal needs.
By working with an agency like this, you’ll be able to look at care options before the pressure’s on. You’ll also have a trusted partner to guide important conversations with family, and to make sure your plan is stored in all the right places. As Susan Smed puts it, they’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of crisis decision-making—and that’s a gift for both you and your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Advance Care Planning might feel a little daunting, but the payoff is huge. By taking the time now to clarify your wishes and plan for the support you may need, you’re giving yourself—and your family—the best possible chance to navigate health challenges with clarity and confidence. With the right mix of professional support and a solid plan, you can keep enjoying that sense of independence you value. After all, this chapter of your life deserves as much thoughtful planning as any other.
