Advanced Care Plans. Plan for Tomorrow, Live Fully Today

What Is an Advance Care Plan?

An advance care plan helps you record what’s important to you should there come a time when you’re unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes yourself. It gives your family, loved ones and healthcare professionals a clearer understanding of your values, preferences and the care you would want to receive.

Creating an advance care plan isn’t only for people experiencing ill health. It’s an opportunity for everyone to think ahead, have important conversations and make their wishes known before they’re needed. This might include your preferences for future medical treatment, quality of life, cultural or spiritual beliefs, or who you would like to make decisions on your behalf.

Many people find that having an advance care plan brings peace of mind. Knowing your wishes have been discussed and documented can make difficult situations a little easier for both you and those closest to you.

At Life Care, we’re here to guide you through the process with compassionate, person-centred support, helping you create an advance care plan that reflects what matters most to you.

How to Create an Advance Care Plan

Starting an advance care plan can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking the time to think about your wishes now can provide reassurance for both you and the people who may one day need to make decisions on your behalf.

1. Reflect on what matters most to you
   Think about your values, beliefs and what quality of life means to you.
2. Choose someone you trust
   You may wish to appoint a substitute decision-maker who can speak on your behalf if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.
3. Have open conversations
   Talk with your family, loved ones, GP and healthcare team about your wishes so they understand what’s important to you.
4. Document your preferences
   Your wishes can be recorded as part of an advance care plan or formally documented through an Advance Care Directive, depending on your circumstances.
5. Share your plan
   Provide copies to the people who may need it, including your substitute decision-maker, doctor and close family members.
6. Review your plan over time
   As your health, circumstances or priorities change, it’s important to revisit your advance care plan to make sure it continues to reflect your wishes.

Our Chaplains, Nurses and Allied Health team are here to support you through each step, offering guidance, reassurance and practical support whenever you need it.

Who Can Benefit from an Advance Care Plan?

Advance care planning isn’t only for times of illness or later in life. It can be helpful for any adult who wants to make their wishes known and give the people close to them a clearer understanding of what matters most.

Thinking about your preferences while you’re well gives you the time and space to consider your choices, have conversations with the people you trust and feel more prepared for the future.

Benefits of Having an Advance Care Plan

Having an advance care plan gives you clarity and confidence about the care you want in the future. It ensures your wishes are documented, understood, and respected, especially during times when you may not be able to speak for yourself. For many people, it also brings reassurance knowing their family won’t have to make difficult decisions on their behalf.

An advanced care plan can also guide health professionals, helping them provide care that aligns with your values, preferences, and goals. It’s a practical way to support your independence, protect your choices, and create peace of mind for you and those closest to you.

Legal Considerations in Advance Care Planning​

When creating advance care plans, it’s important to understand the legal documents that help formalise your wishes. These may include an Advance Care Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, or medical decision-making forms, depending on your situation. Each document plays a different role, but together they ensure the right people are authorised to act on your behalf if needed.

Life Care can help you understand these options and talk through the decisions involved, so you feel supported and informed throughout the process. While legal documents require careful thought, they are a valuable part of safeguarding your choices for the future.

Advance Care Planning in South Australia

If you live in South Australia, you can formally record your wishes through an Advance Care Directive, which allows you to document your future healthcare preferences and appoint one or more substitute decision-makers.

Understanding the legal requirements can sometimes feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. We support people across South Australia to understand the options available and complete the appropriate documentation with confidence.