National Advance Care Planning Week: Supporting Choice, Dignity and Peace of Mind for the Future
Each year, National Advance Care Planning Week invites Australians to pause and reflect on what matters most when it comes to future health care decisions. In 2026, the week will be held from 16–22 March, with the theme “Your story, your choice.”
The theme reminds us that every person’s story is unique. Our values, experiences, beliefs, and relationships shape the way we think about care, well-being, and quality of life. Advance care planning provides an opportunity to reflect on these things and ensure that our preferences are known and respected.
While these conversations can sometimes feel difficult to begin, they can provide clarity and reassurance for both individuals and the people closest to them.
What Is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and sharing your preferences for future health care, particularly in situations where you may not be able to communicate your wishes yourself.
It allows you to reflect on what matters most to you, talk with family members or trusted people, and consider how you would want decisions about your care to be made in the future.
Advance care planning may include:
- Thinking about your personal values and preferences for care
- Discussing these preferences with family, loved ones, and health professionals
- Appointing a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf if needed
- Recording your wishes in an Advance Care Directive or similar document
These steps help ensure that the care you receive reflects what is most important to you.
Why Planning Ahead Can Be Helpful
If someone becomes seriously unwell or injured, they may not always be able to communicate their preferences for treatment or care. Advance care planning helps ensure that important decisions are guided by the person’s own values and choices.
Planning ahead can also help families and carers feel more confident when navigating complex decisions. Knowing a loved one’s preferences can reduce uncertainty and help everyone feel more prepared during difficult moments.
For many people, advance care planning is not only about medical decisions. It can also include personal considerations such as maintaining independence, remaining connected with loved ones, or ensuring cultural or spiritual beliefs are respected.
Starting the Conversation
There is no single “right” time to begin advance care planning. In fact, it can be helpful to start at any age or stage of health, as preferences can change over time.
Some people begin by reflecting on questions such as:
- What makes life meaningful for me?
- What abilities are important for my independence or dignity?
- What kinds of care or treatment would I find acceptable or unacceptable?
- Who would I trust to make decisions if I could not speak for myself?
These reflections can form the starting point for conversations with family members, doctors, and trusted supporters.
Choosing a Substitute Decision-Maker
A key part of advance care planning is identifying a substitute decision-maker, someone who can speak on your behalf if you are unable to make decisions yourself.
This person should be someone you trust to understand and respect your values and preferences. They may be a family member, a close friend, or another trusted individual who is willing to take on the responsibility.
Open conversations with this person are important, helping them understand the choices you would want them to make if the time ever comes.
Recording Your Preferences
While conversations are valuable, many people also choose to document their wishes in an Advance Care Directive or similar form used in their state or territory.
Writing down your preferences helps ensure they are clearly understood and accessible to the people involved in your care. Copies are often shared with family members, substitute decision-makers, and health professionals, and can also be uploaded to My Health Record for easy access if needed.
Advance care planning documents can be reviewed and updated over time, especially if circumstances or preferences change.
Supporting Conversations About the Future
National Advance Care Planning Week is an opportunity to encourage thoughtful, respectful conversations about future care. While these discussions can feel sensitive, they are ultimately about ensuring that each person’s story, values, and choices are understood.
Taking time to reflect and talk with loved ones can help create a sense of clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved.
We’re Here to Support You
Advance care planning is a personal process, and many people find it helpful to have guidance along the way. Life Care provides support to help individuals and families navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.
If you would like more information about advance care planning or support services available, our team is here to help.
To speak with someone from Life Care, please call 1300 555 220.