National Advance Care Planning Week 22-26 March 2021
Advance Care Planning Week (22-26 March 2021) marks an opportunity for the community to consider their future health care needs and wishes, and understand the importance of advance care planning.
With an ageing population, advance care planning is becoming an increasing priority for both the community and health sector. Less than 15% of Australians have documented their preferences in an Advance Care Directive despite the fact that almost 50% of people will be too unwell to make their own end-of-life decisions.
'We want to help people prepare for a time when they may be too sick to speak for themselves and consider a scenario where family and doctors are left to make tough decisions. Advance care planning can give people a voice, ensuring they remain in the driver's seat, regardless of what the future brings,' said Kate Nightingale, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Far West LHD.
'We encourage people to think about what 'living well' means to them; what would be important at the end of life, and then share those thoughts with family and friends. Formalising these preferences in Advance Care Plans or Directives ensures that these wishes are heard and respected when it matters most,' said Ms Nightingale.
Advance Care Planning resources will be distributed throughout the health service, including fact sheets and blank Advance Care Directive forms.
Alternatively, the National ACP week website contains useful links and resources: https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au
To start their own conversation people can print off a 'values poster and take a selfie of their own and post to their chosen social media with the hashtag #acpweek21
If anyone requires any information, please contact Kate Nightingale, Clinical Nurse Consultant on +61 417 378 395 or email at kate.nightingale@health.nsw.gov.au