We Are Here to Help
It’s important to discuss your wishes for your own healthcare in the event you are too ill or injured to make those decisions for yourself.
But it can be hard to know what questions to ask, and it can also be difficult to understand how Advance Care Planning works in Ontario.
Our Community Presentations can help answer these important questions.
How we can help
In these uncertain times, the topic of Advance Care Planning (ACP) has received unprecedented attention, some even referring to it as the “buzz phrase of COVID 19.” The reality and fear of a sudden illness raises the importance of having these ACP conversations NOW. However, as ACP captures headlines, there are fears that we will lose sight of the correct understanding of Advance Care Planning in Ontario. ONTARIO provincial laws about health decision making are slightly different from other jurisdictions. For example, in Ontario there are no advance directives. Consent/refusal of treatment must be given by a person, either the individual or his/her/their Substitute Decision Maker(s). We encourage you to have the correct conversations, as these ARE a gift to your loved ones and to yourself.
Hospice Waterloo Region has been providing community sessions on Advance Care Planning for over five years, and in the last year we have successfully moved these sessions online. We have a trained team of ACP Ambassadors who are eager to provide a facilitated discussion online about ACP. See our offerings below, which can be tailored to meet your timeframe and your focus.
Presentations
Conversations Worth Having 101
Regardless of a person’s age or health status, serious accidents and sudden health changes can happen. Imagine you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions…who would decide for YOU? Join us as we look at health care decision making in Ontario and how Advance Care Planning conversations can help you and your loved ones. Advance Care Planning – the gift you give each other!
Advance Care Planning — The Conversations Worth Having
Have you decided who will make health care decisions for you if you cannot? Join us in this interactive session as we work through these important conversations – who to talk to , what to talk about and how to start these conversations. It’s never too late until it IS.
Hospice of Waterloo Region — MORE THAN A BED
For over 26 years, Hospice of Waterloo Region has been supporting people and their loved ones through life-limiting illness, death and grief. And we have done it without beds! Join us as we share what Hospice’s community outreach looks like, how we are expanding our support and what we can do together to help residents and their loved ones to LIVE WELL.
Sample Session
Want to see what they look like? Here’s a recording from an online session in 2020 (you can also visit our YouTube channel for more videos).
FAQs
How can I book a virtual presentation?
To book a virtual presentation with the ACP team, please email Sheli O’Connor, the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, at sheli@hospicewaterloo.ca.
Is there a fee associated with the workshops/presentations?
There is no fee associated with the virtual presentations.
How long is each session?
The length of the virtual presentations can be customized to meet your needs.
Our team is available for day and/or evening sessions.
What do you provide?
We provide a team of highly trained ACP facilitators, and materials for each session.
Have additional questions?
We would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Please contact email Sheli O’Connor, the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, at sheli@hospicewaterloo.ca.
Session Facilitators
Dana Currie has more than 30 years of experience teaching for a variety of ages and interests. She is also a passionate volunteer, offering up her time to several local organizations including Hospice Waterloo Region.
“I believe that hospice is an integral part of the community and I want to share the many things offered by this organization. I also want community members to understand the importance of advance care planning and feel comfortable with having conversations with loved ones regarding last wishes.”
Patti Haskell had an extensive career in education, and retired as the director of Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board. She has also led many leadership and mentoring programs while also serving on numerous boards. She spends much of her time in retirement volunteering for a number of local organizations, including Hospice Waterloo Region.
“Having lost friends and family members, who experienced exceptional care and loving support through hospice locations across Ontario, I want to give back in appreciation for the support my loved ones have received. I would like others to realize that they are not alone and that Hospice can support them on their journey.”
Wanda Manning is a trained registered nurse, who has dedicated her life to supporting people of all ages at crucial times in their life journey. She has also worked as an educator for those entering the health care profession, and is an active local volunteer.
“I want to share the experiences, knowledge, and information I have gained, and I want to be part of the process of bringing death out of the closet and into everyday life. My hope is that the presentation will provide a framework for participants to explore their ideas about dying in a supportive and factual environment.”
Susan Martin is a business leader with extensive experience in marketing, organizational development, leadership, team building and health management. She also has a passion for giving back to the community, and is an active volunteer with several local organizations.
“Hospice Waterloo Region provides a wide variety of programs, which has made volunteering there over many years a rich and growth-producing experience — and the people there are truly committed to the hospice philosophy.”
Deborah Snider has 40 years of experience in nursing, providing care to moms, babies and children. She also spent much of her career in health-care management. Today, she is a passionate volunteer with Hospice Waterloo Region and her church.
“Hospice Waterloo Region is an amazing resource in this community, which not enough people are aware of. I hope that people who attend my presentation take away a little bit of bravery, and a willingness to have those crucial conversations about end-of-life care! I also want them to know that this journey does not need to be faced alone.”
Lynn Weimer has four decades of experience as a registered nurse, the majority of that time in the intensive-care units. Today, she enjoys volunteering with Hospice Waterloo Region, as well as travelling and working in her gardens.
“I have met so many families in my years of working with critically ill patients who had never discussed advance care planning. It was tragic to watch them go through the decision-making process without previous guidance regarding their loved one’s wishes. I hope the participants will discuss their wishes with the important people in their lives.”