Advance Care Planning
What is advance care planning?
Life is unpredictable. If you have a long-term health condition, there can be ups and downs. You may just be focused on getting through life, one day at a time. But, thinking about what may happen in the future is important too.
Advance care planning is a way you can make healthcare choices now, planning for the future in case there is ever a time when you are unable to make decisions or communicate.
Advance care planning is informing someone you trust and your medical team about your future healthcare. It enables the people you trust and your healthcare team to respect your wishes.
At St Vincent’s Hospital, we want to help you understand the advance care planning process – so you can feel comfortable you will always be in control of your healthcare.
Why is advance care planning important?
Advance care planning helps the people you trust and your healthcare team understand your values, beliefs and wishes for your future.
Without direction, the people caring for you may be worried they aren’t making the best choices.
Advance care planning allows others to be confident they can make sure you get the care you would want – without stress or uncertainty. The planning process also helps you to feel reassured about the future.
Remember, your healthcare team will always turn to you first for decisions. However, if a time comes when you are unable to communicate your wishes, an advance care plan will ensure your voice is still heard.
When should I make an advance care plan?
You can start advance care planning discussions at any time you feel comfortable. We recommend you start the process when you are feeling well, before the urgent need for a plan.
An advance care plan is also useful if you:
- are older
- are frail
- have a long-term illness
- have more than one health condition
- have difficulty remembering, concentrating or making everyday decisions
- are approaching the end of your life.
What does advance care planning involve?
Advance care planning can involve a number of options. This can start with conversations with your family and friends, as well as your healthcare team about your health, and the future, and the kinds of decisions you would consider making. You can talk about your values and what is important to you. This doesn’t have to be a very formal process, but it helps the people around you know what kind of care you could want. You can also say if there are treatments you would never want.
We recommend taking some steps beyond that to formalise your wishes. One option is to appoint an Enduring Guardian. This involves you choosing someone now to help your healthcare team make decisions in future on your behalf about your healthcare. These decisions will reflect your values and wishes.
The person you choose may be a partner, spouse, child, close relative, friend or carer.
The person should be someone who:
- you trust
- is aged over 18 years
- will talk with you now about your wishes for the future
- is comfortable making decisions in difficult circumstances
If you are planning to make an appointment of an Enduring Guardian, you will need to see a solicitor. You could ask to speak with a social worker for advice.
Some people prefer to leave specific written instructions in a document called an Advance Care Directive. This is a formal document which outlines your decisions and can be added to your healthcare record. This is helpful in case there is ever a situation where you can’t tell us what you want. There is a NSW Health form that you could complete and have witnessed. It is recommended to discuss this with a member of your healthcare team so that they can answer any questions you might have. You can view the NSW health form here:
Making an Advance Care Directive - form and information booklet
If you make an Advance Care Directive, it is important to review it regularly to make sure it still reflects your current wishes. If you have made changes to your decisions, you can make a new directive. If you do this, make sure to provide a copy of the new directive to the hospital and other people who might be involved in your care.
While documenting an Advance Care Directive is helpful, the most important part is the conversations with your healthcare team, family, and any decision maker you might appoint. This helps them to feel confident in making decisions and providing care for you that fits with your values. It helps if you formalise this by appointing an Enduring Guardian
How do I communicate my wishes to others?
At St Vincent’s Hospital, we understand that it may not be an easy to have a conversation about your future healthcare. Often, the hardest part is getting started. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable and emotional when you have these conversations, and you may need time.
Advance Care Planning Australia have some helpful tips and resources about starting Advance Care Planning Conversations, which you can find here:
Talking with family and loved ones | Advance Care Planning Australia
Let your healthcare team know who your chosen person is, in case they need to be contacted suddenly. It’s a good idea to provide copies of your Advance Care Directive or plan with your chosen person, family members, and your healthcare team.
Where can I find more help?
For more information visit Advance Care Planning Australia.