I feel it is so important to talk about these things. You don’t want to feel guilty about what was done. You want to feel like you honoured your loved ones’ last wishes. I strongly encourage others to engage in this planning exercise- don’t procrastinate this task because you never know when you will need it!

My mother is 95 and had trouble navigating the website so I sat with her and went through all the material and watched all the videos. We were both quite impressed that there is something out there like this that provides us with all this information, that we are not left up to ourselves to figure this all out. We found the website very informative and helpful. The introductory video was particularly compelling. We had never thought of many of these important things before. Thank you for involving us in this program.

Both my husband and I have worked as critical care nurses and seen what happens when advanced planning is not done and the stress and anxiety that comes with not having the paperwork in order and conversations with loved ones in advance of an unfortunate event. We have had a will and an advance care plan since shortly after being married. We strongly encourage people to engage in planwellguide and the legal side of planning ahead as well.

Working directly with seniors and caregivers in support services, I see the value in what the Plan Well Guide offers families. We never know when a serious illness, accident or medical diagnosis may strike that requires important decision making. Planting the seed about having the tough discussion informs family members, friends and neighbours about taking control of their own values and wishes. It gives each of us a voice of how we want to be cared for if and when that time comes. Dr. Heyland’s presentation clearly establishes the need for creating one’s personalized advance plan.

Dr. Heyland, Thank you for your work on this topic. It is awesome. I have just completed my own plan. This is a priority in our household because of COVID-19 and because my wonderful spouse is stage 4 MBC. She has taught me that part of responsible living is responsible dying. I have been searching for a tool to help with that. Your Plan Well Guide, is that tool. Thank you. If there is a website where I can contribute any sort of financial donation, please let me know. With COVID-19, I do not want to put others at risk, so “done and dusted” is best. So glad this is a “made in Canada” solution.

Dr. Heyland,  Thanks a million for responding. Your interview on CBC was very interesting and helpful. A difficult period in our life which we all must face, and which many of us would simply prefer to ignore. My father died last August and I am presently executor of his estate. I cringe simply thinking that our children will also eventually be responsible for us at some point. We are trying to make the process as clear and painless as possible. With all the effort you have put into Plan Well Guide, everyone will now be better able to reach such a goal. Thank you so very much! God bless you.