This National Advance Care Planning week (17 to 23 March) is the perfect time to start a conversation with loved ones and health providers, so they know what matters most to you and respect your treatment preferences. 

Bega Valley resident Annie Dullow says having an Advance Care Directive (ACD) in place, made the journey easier when her mother's condition deteriorated. 

"It meant mum wasn’t rushed to hospital but was able to die in her aged care home being cared for by people who knew her, and adored her, and understood who she was and what her preferences were," said Annie. 

“While still a stressful time, having the ACD helped our whole family understand what would happen and as a family we felt the process was implemented as mum would have wanted.  

“The process can be difficult for many families, I’m grateful for mum's mental health team who prompted her to plan for her end-of-life care and to complete an Advance Care Directive.” 

Annie explained, “Some people think if you are talking about planning for end-of-life care that death is imminent, which is scary for many people. It is so important that folks understand it is just about good planning and everyone around you knowing what you value and what the limits are in terms of what care and treatment you are prepared to accept.” 

Ms Prue Buist, CEO of COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN, is encouraging everyone to consider: who would speak for you if you were seriously unwell and could not speak for yourself, and would they know what to say?  

“Think about if you can't communicate your health wishes. Have you identified someone who can speak on your behalf?” says Ms Buist. 

"The need for an advance care plan is an important message for all of us, not just older people. Research shows that more than 50 per cent of Australians will not be able to make their own medical decisions at end-of-life but worryingly, only 15 per cent of people have an advance care directive. 

“The benefits of having advance care planning documents in place means that the person has a say in their treatment, and your family has comfort in knowing their wishes are being fulfilled,” said Ms Buist. 

“Advance care planning can help reduce the stress of serious illness and give families a sense of peace in bereavement,” she added. 

For health professionals, advance care planning documents mean better outcomes for patients. 

Ms Buist added, "We encourage health professionals to initiate conversations at appropriate times such as during a 75+ health assessment, or when there are changes in care arrangements or there is a health diagnosis that would impact a person's decision-making capacity." 

“It's not about limiting treatment options. It's about the person identifying their healthcare values, stating the outcomes or treatments they would or would not want. This informs the conversation about the situation at hand, and helps to set the goals for patient care,” says Ms Buist. 

To hear Annie’s story click here.

To create your plan click here.

More information including templates and conversation starters can be found at: www.advancecareplanning.org.au.  

Information about end-of-life care is available here.