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Practical tips and information for you

Eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying (MAID)

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To be eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAID), a person must meet specific criteria:

• be at least 18 years old, with decision-making capacity
• be eligible for publicly funded health care in Canada
• make an informed, voluntary request, free from pressure
• have a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition, which means: 
  
  • having a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability
  • being in an advanced state of decline that cannot be reversed
  • experiencing enduring or lasting physical or psychological suffering they find intolerable
  • reporting that their suffering cannot be relieved in a way they find acceptable

MAID Process

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Medical assistance in dying (MAID) follows strict legal criteria and safeguards, which may vary based on your situation.

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• Make a written request
• Have an Independent Witness sign your request
• Receive two independent assessments
• Receive a decision from each of your assessors
• Consider timing and plan your experience
• Provide final consent before MAID is given

Assessments for medical assistance in dying (MAID)

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To be eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAID), you must undergo two independent assessments by a nurse practitioner or physician.

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During the assessment, you can expect questions about your medical history, your experience of suffering, and your understanding of available care options. Assessors may ask additional questions as well.

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Assessments are typically arranged through a health care provider, a provincial or territorial care coordination team, or an in-hospital MAID program.

Preparing for MAID

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During a medical assistance in dying (MAID) provision, a health care provider administers medications designed to relax you, induce a coma-like sleep, then stop your breathing.

Before this, the provider will review the plan with you and confirm your consent. If you no longer have the capacity to provide consent, MAID cannot proceed unless specific conditions are met.

Preparing for MAID is often an emotionally intense time. You may find it helpful to consider the kind of support you want, talk with others about your wishes, and ensure your supporters know what to expect.

Finding a Witness

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A request for medical assistance in dying (MAID) must be signed in the presence of one Independent Witness. This can be someone you know, such as a neighbour, colleague or friend.

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An Independent Witness must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have the capacity to understand what it means to request MAID
• not be in a position to benefit financially or materially from your death
• not own or operate the care facility where you live
• not be an unpaid provider of care for you

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Some regions permit virtual witnessing, where the witness observes you signing your request and confirms your identity.

Where to receive care

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Where you receive care can shape your comfort, support, and overall experience. Considering your options early can help you make informed decisions as your needs change.

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Depending on your needs and preferences, common options include:

• home: familiar surroundings with support from healthcare providers and caregivers
• hospital: access to specialized teams and equipment for more complex needs
• long-term care: residential care with ongoing medical and personal support
• hospice: a home-like setting focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life

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It can also help to understand what services are available in your community, and what is covered or may involve out-of-pocket costs.

End-of-life care options

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End-of-life care can include a range of medical decisions, often made as your condition changes and in consultation with your healthcare team.

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• Palliative care: receiving care focused on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life at any stage of a serious illness
• Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking (VSED): choosing to stop eating and drinking, with support to manage symptoms
• Voluntary stopping of care (VSC): stopping treatments such as medications when the burden outweighs the benefits
• Palliative sedation: using medication to reduce consciousness when symptoms cannot be controlled in other ways
• Do not resuscitate (DNR): choosing not to receive CPR if your heart stops
• Medical assistance in dying (MAID): requesting MAID if you meet eligibility criteria

Advance Care Planning

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Advance Care Planning helps you think about and share your wishes for future care if you are unable to make decisions later.

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• Reflect on your values: consider what matters most to you and how it shapes your care preferences
• Choose a decision-maker: identify someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf
• Document your wishes: record your preferences for care and treatment‍
• Share your plan: talk with your healthcare providers and people close to you

End-of-life planning tasks

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Taking care of practical details can help ensure your wishes are respected and make things easier for those supporting you. 

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• Organize your affairs: review your will, finances, and powers of attorney
• Manage digital accounts: plan what happens to your online accounts and information‍
• Final arrangements: share your wishes for burial, cremation, or other options‍
• Plan your ceremony: outline how you would like to be remembered

Tips for end-of-life conversations

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Talking about end-of-life wishes can involve practical, emotional, and personal topics. These conversations can be difficult and may need to happen more than once.

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• Share what matters most: talk about care preferences, support needs, and values
• Recognize dynamics: roles and patterns may influence how conversations unfold.
• Expect different reactions: people may respond with strong emotions, and may have different beliefs, levels of understanding, or comfort with these conversations.‍
• Stay focused on the person: keep the conversation grounded in what matters most to them.