What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for your future healthcare. It involves thinking about, discussing, and documenting your values, beliefs, and preferences for medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate your wishes. This ensures that your loved ones and care team know what matters most to you and can respect your choices and treatment preferences. 

Why is it important?

ACP is crucial because it provides clarity and guidance for your loved ones and healthcare team, reducing the burden of making difficult decisions during a crisis. It also helps to ensure that you receive the care you want, improving the quality of your end-of-life care and providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

How to start advanced care planning

  1. Reflect on your values and preferences: Think about what is most important to you in terms of medical care and quality of life.
  2. Discuss with loved ones: Discuss your wishes openly and honestly with your family, friends, and care team.
  3. Formalise your plan: You can document your preferences in an advance care directive, sometimes called a living will. This document is legally binding in most states and territories.
  4. Appoint a substitute decision-maker: Choose someone you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so.
  5. Keep your plan updated: Review and update your advance care plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

Resources and support

  • Advance Care Planning Australia offers a range of resources, including free online courses, workshops, and webinars. You can also find information on creating your plan and accessing support services on their website. National Advance Care Planning Support Service provides free advice or a printed starter pack on 1300 208 582 from 9am – 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.
  • Go Gentle Australia empowers people to choose the end-of-life care that is right for them, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.
  • Health Direct Advanced Care Planning & Directives overview. Please note that each state/territory may have slightly different documents, legal requirements and processes.
  • Palliative Care Australia support the work of specialist palliative care teams who provide care and support for people with more complex symptoms and who educate and support other professionals in their care of people with life-limiting illness.
  • Safewill & Parkinson’s Australia We’re proud to have a partnership with SafeWill Australia. We know that 2 out of 3 Aussies do not have a will in place. This half-off offer provides an excellent opportunity for Australians to get their affairs in order with less financial burden. It’s also a chance to learn more about the importance of having a will. Knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes can bring you peace of mind… it only takes 20 minutes online and is legally reviewed!
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