Planning for a ‘good death’ with help from the ACP Support Service

Ian and Annette spent 53 years full of memories, family, and adventures across six continents, from Antarctica’s frozen expanse to timeworn charm of France.

But when Ian was diagnosed with terminal cancer, time suddenly felt different—slower, heavier, more precious.

And when a doctor asked if they had an advance care plan, they didn’t. “It’s too late now,” the doctor said.

But they were given a second chance. Ian recovered—and they were gifted five more years together. This time, they planned. They talked. They prepared for what was coming.

When the time came, Ian died peacefully, surrounded by love, laughter, and his loved ones. They’d had the hard conversations and the family knew what he wanted.

Ian and Annette were assisted in their Advance Care Planning by Palliative Care WA’s Advance Care Planning Support Service.

This is a story about love, the power of planning, and how it brought peace when it mattered most – About time: Planning for a ‘good’ death.