Getting your affairs in order can be an important task in the final stages of life. We explain the purpose of advance care planning, and discusses medical, legal and other practical issues to consider at this time.
The process of planning for the end of life can be both rewarding and difficult. It may help you feel more in control of the situation or give you a sense of relief that the people and possessions that mean something to you will be looked after in the future. Or you may wish to ease the burden on family members or friends.
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Dr Megan Ritchie, Staff Specialist Palliative Medicine, Palliative Care Service, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Gabrielle Asprey, Cancer Support Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Rosemary Cavanough, Consumer; Louise Durham, Nurse Practitioner, Metro South Palliative Care Service, QLD; Tracey Gardner, Senior Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council Queensland; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Linda Nolte, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC; Rowena Robinson, Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia, ACT; Helena Rodi, Program Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC.
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