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We all want to have a say in what happens in the last part of our lives. By making plans that cover your future care, lifestyle, health and finances, you’re not only working out what you want, you are also making things easier on those around you.
This process is called Advance Care Planning.
More than 80% of Australian adults think it’s important to plan for the last stage of their life. However, only about half of Australian adults have had advance care planning conversations. Less than 10% of adults in WA have completed an Advance Health Directive.
Advance care planning can be broken into four steps – think, talk, write and share. The diagram below shows you what’s involved in each of those steps.
It’s important to start advance care planning early in life when you can speak and decide for yourself. As things change in your personal situation, health or lifestyle, you can go back and review your choices and, if needed, make changes to your documentation.
Brochure – Download the Advance Care Planning in WA brochure which includes the above diagram as well as information on the tools and documents for advance care planning in WA.
Workshops – You can attend a FREE Advance Care Planning Workshop run by Palliative Care WA. These interactive workshops will provide practical information and help you to make a start with your advance care planning. To find out if one is scheduled near you, go to our events page. Alternatively talk to us about organising one for your community or organisation. Workshops can be face to face or online. Click here for more information on our workshops.
Advance Care Planning Support Service – The Advance Care Planning Support Service is a joint pilot project between Palliative Care WA and Carers WA that has been designed to support individuals to progress their Advance Care Planning. The personalised mobile service helps people have a say in what happens in the last part of their lives and uses a friendly conversational approach. Call us on 1300 551 704 to find out more or make a booking. Click here for more information on our Advance Care Planning Support Service.
Contact – The Palliative Care Helpline provides information, support and understanding on advance care planning, palliative care and grief and loss. It’s a local WA line available 9am to 5pm every day of the year, is free, and fully confidential. Contact the Helpline on 1800 573 299 with your questions on advance care planning.
Useful websites – There are a range of useful websites where you can find more information on advance care planning.