Decisions
By: Mike Harlos MD, CCFP(PC), FCFP Making decisions about health care can seem overwhelming at times. The issues are often complex and involve subjects that we’re not used to thinking about in our day-to-day lives. The intensity of decision... read more...
By: CVH Team Health care directives A health care directive is a document that outline treatment decisions that a patient has asked to be followed if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. This document is sometimes... read more...
Each of us is encouraged to think about, talk about and tell people our wishes for the type of health care we want to receive at some point in the future. This process is called advance care planning . If you are living with a serious health... read more...
By: Pat Murphy BEd, MEd and George Webster BA, MA, MDiv, DMin My mother died nine months ago after my brother and I decided to stop all the medical interventions that were prolonging her life. My mom had asked us to make health care decisions... read more...
Many Canadians say they would like to die at home, probably because home feels comfortable and familiar. Yet, most of us aren’t aware of what supporting a death at home might involve. The purpose of this article is to outline some of the potential... read more...
By: Romayne Gallagher MD, CCFP Three terms that may arise in end-of-life care discussions are ‘withholding treatment’, ‘withdrawing treatment’ and ‘palliative sedation ’. They are often misunderstood and sometimes confusedmedical assistance... read more...
To fill a national gap in accessible, trusted resources, Canadian Virtual Hospice and our National MAiD Working Group are pleased to launch a suite of tools for the public and people working in healthcare. Available in English and French, the... read more...
By: CVH Team During the first few days after a death, grieving family members or friends have many demands placed on them in preparation for a funeral. What kind of funeral should it be? Should the person be buried or cremated? What do you... read more...
By: CVH Team What is a will? A will is a legal, written document that sets out how you want your property and possessions to be distributed after your death. A will also names an executor – the person who will look after your estate after your... read more...
By: Glen R. Horst MDiv, DMin, BA For cultural, traditional or personal reasons, you may wish to have a viewing, wake or funeral in your home. The following tasks are all part of a home funeral. You can involve a funeral home for assistance or... read more...