Dear: RE: April 16 is National Advance Care Planning Day We’re writing to let you know about an important topic that you may wish to share with your congregation or religious community: advance care planning. Advance care planning is a process of communicating your future health wishes and naming a Substitute Decision Maker to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It is about having conversations with family and friends, and giving them to confidence to speak for you if you couldn't speak for yourself. This is an important topic for every individual and family, regardless of their faith. Research has shown that advance care planning can increase satisfaction with end-of-life care, and significantly reduce stress, depression and anxiety in family members and caregivers who know the wishes of their loved ones. You may have found yourself sharing end-of-life experiences with members of your congregation, and likely understand how important these discussions can be. There are many ways that you can share this information with your community: Give a sermon on the topic – we have research and information on our website () and would be happy to help you prepare relevant content. Post an article in your congregational newsletter or on your website – we have sample articles available in our ACP Day Toolkit (website link) Bring in a speaker to talk about advance care planning – a health care professional, a hospice/palliative care professional or perhaps a legal professional. We can help connect you with speakers in your area. Our website has free resources for you and your community members, including videos, workbooks, guides, conversation starters, wallet cards and information about legal requirements for each province and territory. Our national interactive workbook at myspeakupplan.ca guides individuals and families through the advance care planning process. We hope that you will consider sharing this information with your congregation. If you have any questions or require our support, please don’t hesitate to contact Jess Chippior at jchippior@bruyere.org. Thank you! Regards, Louise Hanvey
Dear: RE: April 16 is National Advance Care Planning Day We’re writing to let you know about an important topic that you may wish to share with your congregation or religious community: advance care planning. Advance care planning is a process of communicating your future health wishes and naming a Substitute Decision Maker to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It is about having conversations with family and friends, and giving them to confidence to speak for you if you couldn't speak for yourself. This is an important topic for every individual and family, regardless of their faith. Research has shown that advance care planning can increase satisfaction with end-of-life care, and significantly reduce stress, depression and anxiety in family members and caregivers who know the wishes of their loved ones. You may have found yourself sharing end-of-life experiences with members of your congregation, and likely understand how important these discussions can be. There are many ways that you can share this information with your community: Give a sermon on the topic – we have research and information on our website () and would be happy to help you prepare relevant content. Post an article in your congregational newsletter or on your website – we have sample articles available in our ACP Day Toolkit (website link) Bring in a speaker to talk about advance care planning – a health care professional, a hospice/palliative care professional or perhaps a legal professional. We can help connect you with speakers in your area. Our website has free resources for you and your community members, including videos, workbooks, guides, conversation starters, wallet cards and information about legal requirements for each province and territory. Our national interactive workbook at myspeakupplan.ca guides individuals and families through the advance care planning process. We hope that you will consider sharing this information with your congregation. If you have any questions or require our support, please don’t hesitate to contact Jess Chippior at jchippior@bruyere.org. Thank you! Regards, Louise Hanvey
faith-letter-1.0.docx