General Information
The information on this site is for educational purposes. It does not replace health care advice. Talk to your doctor or another member of your health care team about your personal care.
The pandemic has highlighted how quickly our lives can change. Preparing for your future may help you stay in control of your care, especially if your health changes unexpectedly.
We’ve created a guide with input from our patients to help you think about what’s most important to you, including thinking about who you would want to speak for you if there comes a time in the future when you cannot.
Having conversations with your health care team now may decrease stress and help you get care that is right for you later.
I think this guide is incredible. The language [in the Patient and Family Guide] is clear and patient-centric. It makes it abundantly clear that the team is looking out for your well-being and provides great prompts that you can ask questions from to learn more about your personal situation. This is particularly helpful when you might not be thinking clearly or you feel anxious after hearing tough news.”
Patient and Family Guide
Click below to download a guide that can help you begin a conversation with someone you trust and to prepare for talking with your health care team about your future care. This guide was developed for use at the University Health Network and some parts may not be relevant to where you receive care.
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
In Ontario, you can legally choose someone you trust, in advance, to make health care decisions for you if you become unable to do so for yourself. If you do not appoint someone in advance then health care providers will follow a hierarchy to ensure someone will speak for you.
Click here to download the Government of Ontario’s Power of Attorney guidance document. A member of your health care team can review this document with you and help you assign your Power of Attorney for personal care. It’s free and does not require a lawyer.
Advance Care Planning
Click here to learn more about how you can prepare for your future care.
