Advance Care Plans aren’t just for older people

Do you want us to resuscitate? It’s a confronting but important question to have an answer for if the time arises.

This week is National Advance Care Planning Week, encouraging all Australians, regardless of their age or health status, to make their future health care preferences known.

Kaylene Bradford is Regional Manager for Austin Street, VMCH’s permanent home for ten younger people with acquired brain injuries.

Residents are currently completing their Advance Care Plans (ACPs) alongside care staff, a GP, and their families to make important end-of-life care decisions.

“Making an ACP is tricky and confronting for many because people, in general, are reluctant to speak about death let alone about their end of life wishes,” Kaylene says. “Care within an ACP is designed and delivered using a person-centred approach, at the heart of which is the individual’s documented choices. It ensures our staff have guidance to follow so that care is delivered in-line with the preferences of the resident and their family. Ultimately, an ACP gives each resident a voice when they may not be able to vocalise their wishes: ‘In my final days, hours, moments I would like…'"

This ACP Week, Kaylene is encouraging everyone to think about how an ACP can be their voice and to also have that conversation with their family.

If you would like to know more about ACPs, including some helpful ‘conversation starters’ visit: advancecareplanning.org.au/acpweek

To find out more about VMCH Disability Services, visit: vmch.com.au/disability-care-services