Advance Care Planning Week (Australia) highlights the importance of documenting health and care preferences ahead of time. By planning early, individuals and families can reduce uncertainty, support informed decision-making and ensure care aligns with personal values and wishes.
Why it matters
- Advance care planning helps people document their values, preferences and wishes for future health and care.
- It supports decision-making if a person becomes unable to speak for themselves due to illness or injury.
- Clear plans reduce stress and uncertainty for families, carers and health professionals.
- Advance care planning encourages informed conversations before a crisis occurs.
- Without documented wishes, decisions may default to others or to systems that do not reflect personal values.
- Planning ahead supports dignity, autonomy and continuity of care across the lifespan.
Advance Care Planning Week encourages Australians to think about, discuss and record their care preferences so future decisions reflect what matters most to them.
Event Co-ordination / Support
International
- Advance Care Planning International
Global network supporting advance care planning through education, collaboration and shared best practice.
Australia
- Advance Care Planning Australia
National program providing guidance, tools and resources to help Australians plan and document future care decisions.
