Start the conversation today about your future health care plan
Advance care planning is about discussing and documenting your future health care, including end of life care, with your loved ones and health care professionals.
We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Although we hope for the best, sickness or injury can happen without warning. When a person can’t communicate for themselves, it can leave their family or loved ones to make decisions about their treatment and care.
Advance care planning is about preparing for this situation. It’s about discussing and documenting your health wishes so that you receive the treatment and care you choose if you’re unable to communicate for yourself.
Avril Egerton and Talia Gordon are part of Western Sydney Local Health District’s End of Life team, and advocate for advance care planning.
As part of Advance Care Planning Week (16 to 22 March) they set up information stalls across District facilities – educating staff, patients and the community about the benefits of advance care planning.
Avril says that advance care planning is like an ‘emotional will.’
“For your estate you have a Will, and for your health you should have advance care planning.”
Although advanced care is for everyone, she says it’s particularly important for “people with life-limiting illness, aged people and people with specific cultural values and requirements.”
Community member Bronwyn documented her health wishes through advance care planning after a family member passed away, saying her motivation was to make it easier for her three children.
“I think it’s [advance care planning] important for me because my family and my children need to know my wishes and what I want to happen, which will make it easier for them when the time comes.”
Talia says the process of advance care planning isn’t the same for everyone.
“For many, it starts with a conversation or writing down a few thoughts. For others, it may take place over several discussions.”
Importantly, what a person decides today isn’t set in stone or a one-off task, it can change with you as you go through various stages of life.
“Your plan can be revisited and updated at any time, such as when our circumstances or our values change.”
Talia’s advice for those considering advance care planning is to start with a conversation with family and your healthcare providers.
“You don’t need to have all the answers, just let them know what matters most to you and go from there.”
Download a free advance care planning information pack from Advance Care Planning Australia