Be Open Be Ready Be Heard

Advance Care Planning (ACP) gives people a voice in their future health care while they can still convey their own treatment decisions. One in three Australians will be unable to make their own medical decisions at the end of life, but only 15% of Australians have an advance care directive.  

National Advance Care Planning week (20 March to 26 March) aims to raise awareness of ACP in the community. Individuals can contribute by hosting an event (onsite or virtual), displaying an ACP promotion poster, starting a conversation with someone elderly and encouraging people to download an ACP starter pack.

ACP conversations should be part of a person’s ongoing healthcare plan. A health professional can increase their knowledge of ACP by viewing webinars (see below) and reading factsheets provided.

All resources required are provided for downloading or viewing on the website at Advance Care Planning Week. Remember that Advanced Care Directives can be uploaded to My Health Record Advance care planning and goals of care | My Health Record.