Advance care planning is important for everyone and is about sharing what matters to you and making your future wishes known. Discussing and documenting your preferences at end of life with your loved ones and health care team is important to ensuring you receive the care you choose.
Advance care planning is important because it helps ensure you receive the care you want if you are unable to communicate your preferences. It is also important because it gives you and your loved one’s peace of mind should they be required to make decisions for you.
Each state and territory have different rules and processes around recording your choices. In NSW you can appoint an enduring guardian to be your substitute decision maker, and you can record your choices in an advanced care directive.
An advance care directive documents the medical care, treatments and interventions you accept or refuse, amongst other things. The document is legally binding and cannot be overridden unless you choose to change it.
National Advance Care Planning Week is the perfect time to share what’s important to you. Advance Care Planning Australia has further information about advance care planning and a list of planning documents for each state and territory.
We understand the importance of undertaking advance care planning early for people who are living with MND and we are available to support you with information and guidance. If you would like to speak with someone about advance care planning, you can contact your MND Advisor.
Your Advisor can provide you with information including a hard copy of the End of Life Care: A Guide for People Living with MND or you can contact info line to request a copy on 1800 777 175 or
The guide covers topics including:
- Planning ahead and why it helps
- Managing emotions and having difficult conversations
- Organising financial, legal and other personal affairs
- Advance care planning and decisions
- Choice and control at end of life.
Further information