Advance care planning in 5 steps
Advance care planning can be approached a step at a time. We have developed a five-step process for you.
The important first steps are thinking and talking about advance care planning. After that, it is helpful to write the key points down in a plan so you can share your wishes with others.
The value of advance care planning is in the conversations and the shared understanding that is developed, and in the regular review of your plans.
Click on the steps below for more information.
Once you have thought through some of the issues, it’s a good idea to talk about them. Then others will know what is important to you and what you would like to happen, especially if you’re not able to speak for yourself. Start an online guide which will show you the process. When you know what's important to you, and what you want others to be clear about, it's a good idea to write it down. Then they can refer to it when you can't speak for yourself. Start an online guide which will show you the process. Once you have written down what is important to you and what you want to happen, make sure you give a copy to: It’s great to have your plan written down and to have shared that with key people.1. Thinking about
What do you need to think about?
2. Talking about
Who do you need to talk to about it?
Who would it be good to share your thoughts with?
3. Planning for
What do you need to write down?
Having it in writing can save families/whānau (and health care teams) a lot of worry and concern if and when they have to make a decision on your behalf.
Use this template to record what is important to you and what you want.
4. Sharing
Who will you give it to?5. Reviewing
When will you review it?
It’s also a good idea to review it regularly to make sure nothing has changed for you.
People find it useful to decide on a day to review it every year, like their birthday, Labour Day or at the time they do their tax return. When would be a good time for you to review it each year?
