Australia’s first ever Advance Care Planning week begins today, to raise awareness and encourage Australians, young and old, to engage in conversation about their preferred health care, if they were too sick to speak for themselves. Advance care planning ensures that your voice is heard if medical decisions have to be made for you.
Figures show that less than 15% of Australians have an advance care plan in place. In Queensland, an advance health directive is a document where you can record your wishes and directions regarding your future health care for various medical conditions, in the event you were incapable of making those decisions for yourself. Having an advance health directive in place reduces stress for your loved ones as it allows your family, friends and doctors to understand what is important to you and what is an acceptable outcome for your life.
The first step to an advance care plan is talking to your friends and family about your wishes. We encourage you to join in the conversation.
For more information about Advance Care Planning week visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au or contact our Wills and Estates Solicitor, Bianca Stafford on 07 4036 9700.
