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Advance care planning

What is Advance Care Planning?

Is an important process to discuss a person’s wishes for end-of-life healthcare with:

  • those close to them and/or
  • their healthcare team, in the case of them being too unwell or unable to speak for themselves.

The process of Advance Care Planning can begin at any time. Talking with close family/friends and/or the healthcare team about your wishes is a good way to start. Early discussions gives you time to learn about your choices and think about what you might want.

Although talking about your wishes is important, people should write them down using an

  • Advance Health Directive, or
  • Statement of Choices Form

Another important part is giving someone you trust the legal right to make decisions about your

  • financial,
  • lifestyle and
  • healthcare if you’re unable to do so.

A substitute decision maker can be appointed for healthcare or financial matters, or both. Legislation and documents may vary from state to state. If you appoint someone, it’s important you talk to them about your wishes so they can speak for you in the event you’re unable to.

Watch this short video:

Important considerations

Why should people do Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning gives people more control over their healthcare. It’s important to have open and honest conversations about:

  • the way you wish to live
  • the care you actually want
  • your desired quality of life
  • end of life care (even if treatment is going well)

It is especially important for people with serious illnesses.

These conversations help health professionals and families understand a person’s:

  • beliefs
  • values and preferences

This allows healthcare professionals and families to plan and help you make decisions. This is particularly important for those unable to make decisions for themselves.

An Advance Care Plan only comes into effect in the event a person becomes so unwell they lose the ability to make or communicate decisions.

Practical advice for Advance Care Planning
  • Advance Care Planning documents apply across all healthcare settings (i.e. hospital, GP, community health centres).
  • Give copies to family, your general practitioner and treatment team at the hospital.
  • The plan is generally called an advance care directive.
  • Your substitute decision maker will ensure your preferences are respected
More information

You can find more information here:

Read this booklet:

Last updated on May 3, 2024

Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.