Introducing Advance care planning 1 – 5 April 2019 Introducing Advance care planning

Advance Care Planning Australia is an initiative of Austin Health and is supported by funding from the Australian Government.

Make your future health care preferences known It’s never too early to start thinking about your future health care. Advanced illness or serious injury can sometimes mean that people cannot make their own decisions about health care. This can happen to people of all ages, health and especially towards end-of-life. Advance care planning promotes care that is consistent with a person’s goals, values, beliefs and preferences It’s invaluable because making health care decisions for others can be difficult and this provides clear direction and guidance. Writing an advance care directive can give peace of mind and comfort as it ensures that your preferences about health care are clear, understood and respected if you are too unwell to speak for yourself. Research has shown that families of people who have done advance care planning have less anxiety and stress when asked to make important health care decisions for other people.

Who will speak for you if you’re unable to? If you were unable to speak for yourself, who would you want to speak for you? And more importantly, what health care decisions would you want them to make? A substitute decision-maker can be appointed and will make a person’s voice is heard when medical treatment decisions need to be made. When selecting a substitute decision-maker they will need to be: available (ideally live in the same city or region) over the age of 18 prepared to advocate clearly and confidently on your behalf when talking to your doctors, other health professionals and family members

Advance care planning is ongoing Be Open Think and talk about your values, beliefs and preferences for current and future health care Decide who your substitute decision-maker would be if you became too unwell to speak for yourself and ask them if they are prepared to be your ‘substitute decision-maker’. Be Ready Talk about your values, beliefs and preferences with your substitute decision-maker, family, friends and health professionals involved in your care. While you don’t have to get help from a health professional when writing your advance care directive, it is a good idea to have your GP and other health professionals involved. They can advise you and help you to document your choices. Be Heard Write your preferences down. Your GP and other health professionals involved will be able to assist you with the form. An advance care directive will make things easier for your substitute decision-maker(s), if the need ever arises. It will give everyone peace of mind, knowing your preferences are heard and respected. Make copies and in the first instance store them with: your substitute decision-maker your GP/local doctor As well as: your specialist(s) your residential aged care home your hospital myagedcare.gov.au and/or My Health Record. Review your Advance Care Plan regularly. You should review your plan if there is a change in your health, personal or living situation.

Find out more Visit advancecareplanning.org.au Fact sheets Forms Videos Case Studies Learning modules Research reports Call our Advisory Service on 1300 208 585 from 9am - 5pm (AEST) Monday to Friday. Please note that different states and territories in Australia have different laws on advance care planning, therefore it is important to understand the law in your own state/territory. Visit the website where you will find a full suite of resources or contact the Advisory Service