By Dr Jeffrey Hall, Bulli Medical Practice

As part of the “Dying to Know” campaign this August, adults at all stages of life are encouraged to improve their knowledge around choices for end-of-life. This is more relevant as we get older, but also with life events such as marriage and the birth of a child.

Advance care planning involves you, your family and your GP or practice nurse talking about your values and the type of health care you want to receive if you become seriously ill or injured and were unable to express what you want.

Ideally these conversations start when you are well and continue throughout life. You don’t have to be unwell or have a terminal illness to start planning.

Setting up an advance care plan helps to ensure you receive the care you want if you become seriously ill or injured, or at the end of your life. As part of the planning process, you can nominate a person you know and trust to become a substitute decision maker.

You can rest easier, knowing your plan is in place. Your family can benefit too. When the time comes, they feel reassured they’re making the decisions you wanted, greatly reducing their stress and anxiety.

75+ Health Assessment

If you are over 75 years, and haven’t already set up your advance plan, consider a 75+ health assessment. These annual, Medicare-funded assessments take approximately 1 hour with a practice nurse and GP. They are a great way of identifying existing health issues and plans for management as well as an opportunity to start advance care planning.

Other documents

Other important documents to complete when planning for your future include:

• Your will
• Power of attorney
• Enduring guardianship
• Binding death nomination as part of your superannuation.

For more information, visit: Dying to Know Day.