New simple, cost-effective planning tools are now available to capable adults wanting to plan for a time when they are unable to make their own decisions independently.
By completing new, standardized forms, capable adults can appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf or record their future instructions in the event they become incapable of deciding for themselves. This can include personal care (including health care), financial and legal decisions. An adult may be incapable of making their own decisions as a result of mental illness, developmental disability, brain injury or diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
These planning options and forms took effect Sept. 1 and result from updates to the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act, Power of Attorney Act and Representation Agreement Act.
“Few of us like to think about the possibility of not having the full capacity to think and express ourselves,” says Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid.
Attorney General Shirley Bond adds: “Making significant decisions like this can be very stressful.”
For more information, visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/hcc/advance-care-planning.html or seniorsbc.ca.