22- 26 March, 2021
National Advance Care Planning Week is an annual initiative by Advance Care Planning Australia that encourages all Australians, regardless of their age or health status, to make their future health care preferences known.
This awareness week provides an opportunity for people to discuss what living well means to them and to consider who they would want to speak for them, if they were unable to speak for themselves.
Advance care planning is the process of planning for your future health care and it gives you the opportunity to think about, discuss and record what types of care and outcomes you would find acceptable. It asks you to think about what health care you would like, or would not like, to receive if you were to become seriously ill or were unable to communicate your choices. This often relates to the care you wish to receive towards the end of your life and it also helps to ensure your loved ones and health professionals know what your preferences are so that these preferences are followed and respected.
Advance care directives
An advance care directive is sometimes known as a living will. It's something you create for yourself and involves documenting your preferences for future care. It can include your values, life goals and preferred outcomes, and directions about care and treatments. You can also formally appoint a substitute decision-maker in an advance care directive.
Advance care directives are legally binding and any preferences for health care that you document must be followed.
Advance care plans
An advance care plan is created by someone else on behalf of a person with diminished capacity to make decisions for themselves. An advance care plan can include an individual’s beliefs, values and preferences in relation to future care decisions. They are often helpful in providing information for substitute decision-makers and health practitioners and may guide care decisions but are not necessarily legally binding.
Important life choices are planned, not left to chance
Creating your plan
The process of creating an advance care directive and the names of the required documents varies between states and territories. Check the relevant information for creating a plan in your state and on choosing a substitute decision-maker to help ensure your preferences are respected.
Find out more on the Advance Care Planning Australia website.
Upcoming Webinar events:
Advance Care Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
23rd March, 14:00 to 15:00pm AEDT
Listen to advance care planning community ambassadors answer some of the most frequently asked questions around advance care planning. We will cover how to plan, and how to share the plan with your family. You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions to be answered live online during the webinar. This event is designed for the general public, but all are welcome to participate.
Register on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/140952935023
Advance Care Planning and Dementia
25th March, 14:00 to 15:00pm AEDT
This webinar will cover key advance care planning considerations for those living with, or who have a family member or friend living with dementia. It will explain the importance of planning early, timing the conversation, what to consider when doing advance care planning and more. This event is free online and designed for the general public.
Register on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/141078861673
Call the Advance Care Planning Advisory Service on 1300 208 582, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm