Thinking
The first step is taking time to think about what matters most to you and your wishes for future health care. This may include:
- Your beliefs, personal values and what is important to you
- Who you would want to make decisions on your behalf if you were too unwell to speak for yourself.
- Learn about your health. Are there treatments you would accept or refuse? What would you like your care to focus on?
- If you were dying what would be important to you?
Talking
Once you have thought about what is important to you, it’s important to talk about it.
Share your wishes with the people important to you. This may include your family and close friends, your appointed Medical Treatment Decision Maker, your GP or specialist and other members of your healthcare team.
Planning For
When you are clear about what matters to you and what you would want others to know, it’s helpful to write it down. Documenting your wishes ensures your family and healthcare team can refer to them if you are unable to communicate in the future.
You might choose to make an Advance Care Directive or an Advance Care Plan
Sharing
Once your plan is complete, make sure you share it with your Medical Treatment Decision Maker, the people important to you, your GP, and other members of your healthcare team.
You can choose for your Advance Care Directive to be uploaded to your medical record or My Health Record.
Reviewing
It’s important to review your plan regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes. If your circumstances, health, or preferences change, update your plan or make a new one.