Advance Care Planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care and end-of-life care. It is about identifying what matters to you.
It helps you, the important people in your life and your health care team plan for your future health and end-of-life care.
It helps you understand what the future might hold, and to say what health care you would or would not want. This makes it much easier for everyone to understand your wishes – especially if you can no longer speak for yourself.
An advance care plan includes what is meaningful to you, such as people and pets, your values and the ways you would like those caring for you to look after your spiritual and emotional needs.
It can also cover what sort of funeral you would like, whether you want to donate your organs, whether you want to be buried or cremated, where your important papers are and whether you have in place an enduring power of attorney or advance directive.
When should an advance care plan be completed?
It is never too soon to start thinking about, discussing and writing down your thoughts on your health care.We plan for finances, think about insuring property and contents, why not do the same for your future health care?
How do I do an advance care plan?
You can begin your advance care plan today, by going to www.myacp.org.nz.
