Planning for End of Life #1 - Where do we begin, and why?

We held our first online event for Dying to Know Day on 30 April. It was an informative session led by Niki Read of the GroundSwell Project.

Planning for End of Life #1 - Where do we begin, and why?

Summary of session:

• Anyone can write an advance care plan. Each state has different documents to guide the process. They can be accessed here: In NSW when the plan is then signed by you and your appointed substitute decision maker, it becomes an advance care directive. Check the requirements in your state. Here’s a link for end of life planning in New Zealand.

• It is essential that your advance care directive is easily accessible. That means talking about it and sharing it with those close to you, sharing it with your GP and other health professionals, having a hard copy of it somewhere obvious at home or carry it with you when travelling. If you want to add your advance care directive to you My Health Record (Gov website) you must upload it yourself.

• Keep it up to date - Your advance care directive must be updated every 2 years.

• Starting the conversation:

  • One way to start this process is with the Dying to Talk discussion card game. You can access that here. The game is a good way to raise the topic with someone who you want to support with planning.

  • The Dying to Know books are a beautiful visual tool to help start those games. You can order one through GroundSwell here.

It was great to get this information and start planning our next steps for our own Advance Care Planning. What are you planning on getting sorted first?