Make their choices matter with advance care planning
An article written by Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia
Only 1 in 3 Australians aged 40 and over recognise the term 'advance care planning'. But once it’s been explained to them, seven out of ten feel positive about it. That means although many people have not taken the important steps that could make a profound difference later in life, many will recognise how important it is, and will be open to doing so with a little information and support.
Advance care planning involves planning for future health care, in case there comes a time when a person is seriously unwell and unable to communicate or make decisions about their own health care, including when they are approaching the end of life. Advance care planning is driven by the individual – it is about their preferences, wishes and what matters most to them. Some people might want to talk about, or document, their preferences about their future health care. Other people might have very specific instructions about medical treatments they do or don’t want. Some people want to appoint a specific person to be their substitute decision-maker for health care.
Advance care planning is voluntary. It’s important to respect a person’s choices about whether, how, and when they would like to engage in advance care planning.
Advance care planning can give peace of mind, knowing that wishes and preferences have been expressed and can be used to guide care decisions if a person can’t speak for themselves. It can also ease the burden for loved ones, giving them confidence to make decisions in ways that honour their loved one’s wishes and preferences. Advance care planning can improve the quality of care at the end of life, supporting care that is in line with a person’s wishes and preferences, and avoiding unwanted medical interventions.
Aged care services can play a key role in making people’s choices matter. They can provide information and opportunities for people to understand what advance care planning is, how it can be helpful, and how to do it.
National Advance Care Planning Week, 17 – 23 March 2025, is the perfect time to expand knowledge and build confidence in advance care planning conversations.
Advance Care Planning Australia is an Australian Government initiative administered by Metro South Health.
Authors
Dr Catherine Joyce
National Manager
Advance Care Planning Australia