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Advance Care Planning is about having conversations that matter. By sharing your values and preferences early, you give your loved ones and doctors the clarity to support you with confidence.

When we think about healthcare, most of us assume we will be able to speak for ourselves and make our own decisions. Yet there may be times when we are unable to do so, whether because of illness, injury, or medical treatment. This is where Advance Care Planning (ACP) comes in.

ACP is a voluntary process that helps you think about and communicate your values, beliefs, and preferences for your future healthcare. It ensures that if you become seriously ill or lose the ability to speak for yourself, your loved ones and doctors will know what matters most to you and make decisions aligned with your wishes.

WHAT IS ADVANCE CARE PLANNING?

Advance Care Planning is about being prepared for unexpected life scenarios. Through conversations with your loved ones and healthcare team, ACP allows you to discuss important questions such as: “What makes life meaningful to me?”; “What kinds of medical treatments would I want, or not want, if I were seriously ill?”, and “Who would I trust to make decisions on my behalf if I could not speak for myself?”

These conversations lay the foundation for an Advance Care Plan, which records your preferences. You can also nominate a trusted spokesperson to represent your voice when needed.

WHY ADVANCE CARE PLANNING MATTERS

Too often, families are faced with difficult choices in times of crisis. When a loved one is critically ill or unconscious, emotions run high, and family members may disagree on what should be done.

ACP helps prevent conflict and distress by ensuring that your preferences are clearly understood in advance. When your wishes are known, your doctors can tailor care that respects your values. Your loved ones are spared the emotional burden of making decisions in uncertainty.

For patients living with cancer, ACP can be an especially important part of care planning. While treatment aims to control or cure disease, ACP ensures that care remains aligned with the patient’s personal goals at every stage, whether it means continuing with aggressive therapy or focusing on comfort.

WHO SHOULD DO IT AND WHEN?

Many people assume ACP is only for the elderly or those with serious illnesses such as cancer. However, any individual above 21 years old can start the process at any time.¹ By starting the process early, you ensure that your preferences are known.

ACP can also be revisited and updated as life circumstances change. For instance, you may wish to review your plan after a major life event such as marriage, the birth of a child, a new diagnosis, or the death of a loved one.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Talking about medical care, serious illness, or death can feel uncomfortable. Here are some common barriers that often make it hard to start the conversation.

#1 “It’s too early for me.”

ACP is not limited by age or diagnosis. Planning early gives you more control should the unexpected happen.

#2 “My family already knows what I want.”

Many people assume their families understand their preferences but in reality, families can often misjudge what their loved one truly wants. Having the conversation removes uncertainty.

#3 “It’s too difficult to talk about such topics.”

It can feel uncomfortable to discuss illness or death, but most people find relief after talking openly. It brings families closer and strengthens understanding.

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

The best time to start Advance Care Planning is when you are healthy and can think clearly about your wishes. If you are unsure how to begin, speak to your healthcare team or ACP service providers to help you through the process. At the end of the day, ACP is about honouring what gives your life meaning and ensuring that your voice and preferences are heard.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH ACP

1. Reflect on what matters most to you

Consider your values, priorities, and fears. Is independence important to you? Would you want life-prolonging treatments if they came with significant discomfort or little chance of recovery? Writing down your thoughts in a journal can help you clarify and articulate what you really want.

2. Talk to your loved ones

Choose a comfortable setting to share your thoughts about your preferences. Encourage them to ask questions and share their feelings too.

3. Speak with your healthcare provider

Doctors, nurses, or medical social workers can help explain care options and what different scenarios might look like.

4. Document your wishes

Write down your preferences and keep them accessible.

5. Review regularly

Update your ACP regularly to make sure that it reflects your current preferences.