SWAN Hill District Health (SHDH) is hosting an event to help the community consider their future medical care and understand the importance of advance care planning.
A visual display will be in the main entrance to SHDH and is a part of National Advance Care Planning Week, from March 21-27.
“We want to help people prepare for a time when they may be too sick to speak for themselves because none of us want a scenario where our families and doctors are left to make tough decisions,” advance care planning co-ordinator Merridee Taverna.
“Advance care planning can give everyone a voice so your health care remains your choice, regardless of what the future brings.
“In the last couple of years, many people across all ages have changed their attitudes towards their own health because of COVID.
“As we have become more aware of our own vulnerability, advance care planning is becoming an increasing priority for individuals.
“It’s also becoming a higher priority for the health, aged care, disability and community sectors.”
Despite this, only 15 per cent of Australians have documented their preferences in an advance care directive, despite the fact that one in three people will be too unwell to make own end-of-life decisions.
Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) program director Linda Nolte praised the Swan Hill community for getting behind the initiative.
“It’s great to see organisations like Swan Hill District Health helping people to take a more active role in their community’s future health care,” she said.
“We hope that this event inspires the people of the local community to speak up and ensure your preferences are heard and respected.
“While you still have decision-making capacity, have a heart-to-heart with those closest to you and consider creating a legally-binding advance care directive.
“It means you’re more likely to get the care you want and reduce the burden for your loved ones.”
Funded by the Australian Government and administered by Austin Health, ACPA is the national authority on advance care planning.
ACPA supports individuals and health and aged care providers to ensure people’s values and treatment decisions are heard and respected.*breakout*
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning promotes care that is consistent with your goals, values, beliefs and preferences.
It prepares you and others to plan for future health care and a time when you may no longer be able to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Key facts about advance care planning
Around 30 per cent of people will not be able to make their own end-of-life medical decisions
Fifteen per cent of Australians have documented their preferences in an advance care directive
A third of Australians will die before the age of 753
Most people die after a chronic illness, not a sudden event
Research shows advance care planning can reduce anxiety, depression and stress experienced by families and that they’re more likely to be satisfied with their loved one’s care5
