The life-changing conversation everybody over 60 needs to have

Only 4 out of 10 Australians aged 60 and over recognise the term “advance care planning”.

Many others will recognise how important it is, but may not have taken the important steps that could make a profound difference later in life.

So what does it mean?

What is advance care planning?

At its core, advance care planning involves planning for your future health care. If you become seriously unwell and unable to communicate or make decisions about your own health care, who do you want to make them for you? What would you want them to do?

Advance care planning means making your wishes and preferences known, in case that time ever comes. Thinking about, and talking about, your choices for your future health care has lots of benefits. It can ease the burden for your loved ones, giving them confidence that they know what you would have wanted.

It can also give you peace of mind and empower you to be confident that your choices are known even when you can’t speak for yourself. It means your wishes and preferences can be respected and you can remain independent as you approach the later stages of life.

How can you talk about it?

It might seem like an uncomfortable topic. However, it’s an incredibly important one when planning out what remains of your future, especially if your health is vulnerable.

Many people want to ask their parents about it so that they can honour their wishes, but are worried that their parents won’t want to talk about it. As such, you might find your loved ones actually relieved or grateful to talk about it. A gentle and caring conversation can actually be a very rewarding experience that allows families to show their love for each other and brings them closer together.

How do you get started?

The best place to start is a simple conversation. As well as talking with your loved ones, you can talk to your GP or health provider. This can be very helpful if you have a serious health condition, so that you understand what kind of health care decisions might need to be made in the future.

There are formal documents you can choose to complete, to appoint someone as your decision-maker. These have different names in different states and territories, such as Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardian, and Medical Treatment Decision Maker.

There are also formal documents you can use to set out what you do and do not want for your future health care. These also have different names in different states and territories, such as Advance Care Directives and Advance Health Directives.

Advance Care Planning Australia has free resources to help you start the conversation, and to find the documents for your state or territory. Click here to get started.

Make your choices matter

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

Visit www.acpweek.org.au for more information and to find awareness raising events Australia-wide.

Watch Advance Care Planning Australia’s ‘Make your choices matter’ video:

For free advice or to get a free starter pack, you can call the National Advance Care Planning Support Service on 1300 208 582 from 9am – 5pm (AEST/AEDT) Monday to Friday.

Advance Care Planning Australia is an Australian Government initiative administered by Metro South Health.