There really isn’t a set order to advance care planning. It can depend on your circumstances and what is important to you. We suggest that you start with one of the components you feel comfortable with and work your way from there. For each element you need to think about what you want and then have some conversations with the people in your life. What’s really important is you understand all your options so you can make informed choices. Go to the resources page to start your research.

The fact is that 82% of Australians think it is important to talk to their family about how they would want to be cared for at the end of their life and only 28% have done so. So, while it can difficult to think about how to have the conversations, once you start most people are open to it. There are some great discussion starters on the Dying to Talk website that you may find useful.

The short answer is yes, of course. Any elements of Advance Care Planning you put in place will remove uncertainty. But putting ALL elements in place means you may get the kind of care and end of life experience that you want. It’s also going to make it easier and less stressful on everyone else to know what you want.

If you are 18 and capable of making your own decisions you can consent to or refuse medical treatments. However, if you are unable to make those decisions at any time, health professionals will refer to your Advance Health Directive as a guide to any decision on medical treatments. If you don’t have an Advance Health Directive, then they will be guided by the hierarchy of decision makers below.

The best starting place is to reflect on what matters to you the most in life. Maybe list the top three thing that you just wouldn’t be happy living without. They are most often the things that you will want at the end of your life. The Dying to Talk website has some activities that may assist you with this. You may also like to attend one of our community workshops on advance care planning

You can provide a copy of any elements of your advance care plan to your GP and any other health professionals who provide you with healthcare. If you utilise My Health Record, you can also upload all or some elements so anyone treating you in the future can access them. Anyone you have nominated to act on your behalf should also be fully informed and have a copy of the appropriate documents. And lastly it is very important to share your decisions with all the important people in your life. When those closest to you understand what you want, it removes uncertainty and reduces stress at what can be a difficult time.

The WA Department Health has licensed the School of Human Sciences at the University of Western Australia to accept whole body donations from members of the community. These bodies are used for anatomical teaching, medical and scientific research and specialist training at many teaching and research institutions. Their website has information on the program, including how to donate.