Most people do not plan for
their future care needs as they
age, or do not know where
to start. For Stella and Albert
Quesnelle, having an advance
care plan supported their
readiness to make decisions
when health and support needs changed. They had a close relationship to a Care Coordinator
over the 6 years that Albert received
more care at home as his needs
increased for nursing, medication management, equipment,
physiotherapy and personal support.
As her husband’s substitute
decision maker and primary
caregiver, ensuring access to
services to support them both
became important to act on
when Stella became ill.
“Al needed 24-hour care, so
what do you do when the kids
have to be called in for 24
hours?” remarks Stella. “I wasn’t
feeling good so we decided
between Al and I that we would
sell our home.” Stella and Al
moved from their family farm
of 60 years to an apartment. Sharing their advanced care plan
with their children and Albert’s
Care Coordinator supported
taking next steps in their care
journey that were both timely
and important to them. Part of
planning their move considered
access to care facilities within
their community. A community
of Stella’s Métis heritage. “I’m
never lonely for the other place,”
she says. “This is home and
there’s so much activity here. It’s
really wonderful.”
Soon after moving, Al’s care
needs required the support of
a long-term care home, and
in benefit to their planning, Al
experienced access to care he
needed, when he needed it.
Stella believes in the importance
of advanced care planning and
asking friends about their care
wishes. For Stella, the conversation starts with, “If you don’t
plan, what happens if you fall
sick?”
 4,450 individuals were assisted in making a transition to a new care setting (e.g., convalescent care, assisted living, long-term care).
80% of patients who transitioned to long-term care had complex or very complex needs. |
Additional Resources
