Advance care planning is identifying your preferences for your future health care, and putting plans in place to help those happen.
Advance care planning can be a good idea for anyone experiencing health changes, but it is especially important for people who are facing end-of-life. It opens up important conversations between whānau, and ensures your loved ones and carers know exactly what your preferences are, what to expect, and how they can help.
An advance care plan can include:
- Ensuring wills and other legal documents are up-to-date
- Putting Enduring Power of Attorney in place
- Making funeral plans
- Deciding on your preferences for health care or treatments
When you are facing end-of-life, advance care planning can provide you with comfort and peace of mind in knowing that everyone understands what matters to you and that your care plans are in place. It gives you control over how you are treated and cared for when you may no longer be able to speak for yourself. And it gives your whānau and caregivers confidence in knowing they are respecting your wishes.
Having an advance care plan in place can also be helpful in allowing you to make the most of your time because you know the important details have been taken care of. You can focus on doing the things that give your life the greatest meaning and enjoyment: living every moment.
An advance care plan is usually in the form of a written document that everyone can refer to. There are templates which can be printed out and filled in available here www.myacp.org.nz, in both English and te reo Māori versions. The English version can also be completed electronically. Hospice West Auckland Social Workers are here to help provide guidance and assistance on developing an advance care plan.
