When we think about Advance Serious Illness Planning, our minds often jump straight to medical treatments—machines, medications, or hospital care. But there’s another side to planning that matters just as much: personal care.
If you were to recover from an illness but still needed ongoing care, the little details of daily life would shape your comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Thinking through these decisions ahead of time makes it easier for your loved ones and care team to honour your wishes.
Use the prompts below to capture preferences you want reflected in your plan.
Where would you want to live?
Would you prefer to be at home with support, or would long-term care feel more secure? Is staying close to family important? Think about whether you value having your own private space or if you’re comfortable in a shared setting.
Food preferences
Food is deeply personal. Are there cultural dishes, comfort foods, or dietary practices that matter to you? Knowing these preferences can help caregivers bring familiarity and joy into your meals.
Clothing and personal presentation
How you present yourself can be a big part of feeling like “you.” Do you have clothing preferences? Would you feel uncomfortable spending most of your time in hospital gowns? Do you want to make sure your grooming routines are respected? Do small touches, like a bit of lipstick, help you feel more like yourself?
Who you would want (or not want) to visit
When you’re vulnerable, the people around you matter. Who would you welcome into your space—and who might you prefer to limit visits from?
Personal, spiritual, or cultural practices
Are there traditions, observances, or rituals that are meaningful to you? Identifying these ensures they’re honoured.
Habits & routines that matter
What daily routines help you feel most like yourself? Morning coffee, reading the paper, a few self-care practices —these small details can make a big difference in preserving dignity and comfort.
Activities that contribute to your quality of life
What brings you joy or purpose? What gives you comfort? Whether it’s being in nature, doing crafts, listening to music, or spending time with friends, these activities can be incorporated into your care.
Caregiver preferences
Would you want family or friends to provide personal care, or would you prefer professional caregivers—especially for tasks like bathing and toileting? Being clear about this can relieve pressure and prevent misunderstandings.
Financial or caregiver hardship
If your care became a strain on your family—financially or emotionally—what would you want to happen? Naming your preferences helps guide decisions when resources are limited.
Consider an “if/then” approach:
If the cost of my care meant my family went into debt, then I would want…
If my caregiver was experiencing health challenges, then I would want…
Low quality of life indicators
What would feel intolerable to you? For some, it might be being unable to communicate with loved ones or being away from loved ones for long periods of time. For others, it could be the loss of independence or disconnection from community. Clarifying this helps loved ones recognize when your line has been crossed.
Who should have access to your health information?
Finally, consider how and with whom you’d want your health information shared. This ensures your privacy and preferences are respected.
Why This Matters
Personal care planning is about dignity, comfort, and staying true to who you are—even if illness changes your circumstances. These details might seem small, but they are often the things that matter most in day-to-day living.
Taking time now to reflect on them is a gift to yourself and to the people who love you—it gives everyone clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
