KFPL, Compassionate Communities Kingston host Advance Care Planning seminar

Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL), in partnership with Compassionate Communities Kingston, is offering an online seminar on Advance Care Planning.

“Have you thought about what will be most important to you if you become seriously ill or injured, or near the end of life? Who will speak for you if you are unable, and have you clearly communicated your beliefs, values, and wishes to them?” asked the library in a media release. “Advance care planning helps you arrange for future care needs, to ensure your directions will be respected and carried out.”

A 2019 Nanos poll found that while 80 per cent of Canadian think it’s important to do Advance Care Planning, fewer than one in five actually have a plan, only 36 per cent have discussed it with family and friends, and only 8 per cent with their health care provider, according to the library. KFPL said only 7 per cent have spoken to a lawyer.

“You never know when a sudden illness may arise, or a serious accident may happen,” said Anne Hall, Programming and Outreach Librarian. “This seminar from Compassionate Communities Kingston will help you plan for your future needs so your wishes will be respected and carried out if you ever can’t speak for yourself.”

Seminar attendees will learn how choosing a substitute decision-maker now, and communicating their future care needs to them, can help ensure that their wishes will be carried out. This can also help avoid family disputes or agonizing dilemmas in the future, according to KFPL.

This seminar will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 over Zoom. Register online at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/5744503 or by phone at (613) 549-8888. Registrants will be emailed the link immediately upon registration and will need to download Zoom in advance.