What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning is for people at any age. It is making a plan for your future medical care. If one day you are too unwell to make decisions or communicate, your doctors can refer to your plan. Planning now for your future care can help ensure you get the medical care you want. It also ensures someone you trust will be there to make decisions for you.
An Advance Care Directive is part of the planning process. It is a legal document. You and one other person, usually your GP, will need to sign it. It includes the treatments you would accept or refuse if you have a life-threatening illness or injury. It will only be used if you can not make decisions on your own. It may also include your beliefs, values and goals.
Advance care planning gives you control over your health. It’s a way of making sure your care team respect your wishes in the future. It is a plan for your care while you are living. It is not a Will, but you can also consider writing one of these.
What will my GP do to help me plan for the future?
Your GP will talk to you about your wishes for end-of-life care. They will discuss your plan with you over the coming weeks and months. Your GP may also ask you to complete a Resuscitation Plan or an Authorised Care Plan. This lets the ambulance service know what additional steps they can or can’t take if you call an ambulance.
During your planning, you and your GP will discuss:
- 你对自己目前健康状况的了解
- 将来你在护理和健康方面的需求会发生什么变化
- Why it’s important to take control of your future care
- 如果治疗没有按照计划进行，会发生什么情况
- 你过去生病的经历
- Any concerns or fears you have
- Any support you have at home
- 你对心肺复苏的想法
- 你对自己身后事的愿望
What can I do as part of advance care planning?
Reflect on your values and wishes. Continue to talk to your GP and your loved ones about your plan. If you would like to have an Enduring Guardian, choose someone you trust.
Some things to think about during advance care planning:
- Life goals, values and wishes
- Who you trust to make decisions for you
- Who should have a copy of your plan
When your plan is finished, you should share it with your GP.
You should also share a copy with a loved one or someone you trust. Remember, you can change or cancel your plan, goals or wishes at any time.
