Planning Ahead Is an Act of Care

Talking about future care can feel difficult. But having those conversations before a health crisis happens can make an enormous difference for individuals and the people who may one day be asked to speak on their behalf.

In recognition of Advance Care Planning Day in April 2025, Compassionate North Grenville hosted its first community education session focused on Advance Care Planning at the North Grenville Public Library.

The event welcomed a full house for a presentation by Marc Séguin, author of Advocacy in Aging. Marc guided participants through the importance of thinking ahead, understanding our wishes and having meaningful conversations with the people who matter to us.

Advance Care Planning is not only about end of life. It is about considering what matters most to us, thinking about the care we would want if we were unable to speak for ourselves, and making sure the right people understand our wishes.

The session also created space for questions and conversation. Participants shared experiences, considered some of the challenges that can make these discussions difficult and explored how planning ahead can help individuals and families navigate life’s transitions with greater confidence.

These are exactly the kinds of conversations Compassionate North Grenville hopes to make more familiar in our community. Illness, aging, caregiving, dying and grief are experiences that will touch all of us. Talking openly about them can help reduce fear and uncertainty while giving us more opportunities to support one another.

For those who would like help beginning their own Advance Care Planning conversations, Beth Donovan Hospice offers free education and guidance in our community.

Thank you to Marc Séguin for sharing his knowledge with us, to everyone who joined the conversation, and to the Municipality of North Grenville and North Grenville Public Library for helping make the session possible. We also appreciate Brewed Awakenings Kemptville for providing the coffee and Grahame’s Bakery for the delicious donuts.

Planning ahead is more than paperwork. It is a conversation, and it can be one of the most thoughtful things we do for the people we love.