Advance Care Planning

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning is a process to help you plan your medical care in advance so if you become too unwell to make decisions for yourself, your wishes can still be respected by your health care team, your family and carers.

“On the journey of life, it is ok for me to stop and ask directions”

How can Advance Care Planning help you?

Imagine you became very sick and couldn’t talk to your doctor or family about your treatment.

Your plan will help them decide what the best option will be based on your choices.

Planning ahead can make things easier for you and the people you care about.

Advance Care Planning can involve the following steps:

1. Chat and communicate about what you want

Talk to your family, friends and doctors about your healthcare preferences

2. Appoint a Medical Treatment Decision

This is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf, but only if you are not able to make or communicate decisions for yourself

3. Put it on Paper

Write down your preferences and speak to your health professional

If we know your choices we can respect them.

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Getting Started

If you want further information about end of life decision making, talk to your doctor or other treating health professionals or visit Advance Care Planning Australia website at http://advancecareplanning.org.au/

What can I do?

More information