Advance Care Planning Singapore: 5 Things You Need to Know

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of making decisions about your future healthcare in the event that you become unable to make them for yourself. It involves talking to your family and healthcare providers about your values, beliefs, and preferences for end-of-life care.

ACP is an important part of ensuring that your wishes are respected and that you receive the care you want, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

In Singapore, ACP is becoming increasingly common. A 2019 survey by the Ministry of Health (MOH) found that 63% of Singaporeans have heard of ACP, and 27% have completed an ACP document.

Why is Advance Care Planning Important?

There are many reasons why advance care planning is important. Some of the benefits include:

• Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected can give you and your family peace of mind.
• Reduced stress: ACP can help to reduce stress for your family and loved ones during a difficult time.
• Improved communication: ACP can help to improve communication between you and your healthcare providers.
• Better care: ACP can help to ensure that you receive the care you want, even if you are unable to communicate your wishes yourself.

What are the 5 Things You Need to Know About Advance Care Planning in Singapore?

1. ACP is a voluntary process. You have the right to make decisions about your own healthcare, including whether or not to complete an ACP document.
2. ACP is not just for the elderly. Anyone can complete an ACP document, regardless of their age or health status.
3. ACP is not a legal document. ACP documents are not legally binding, but they can help to guide your healthcare providers in making decisions about your care.
4. You can change your ACP document at any time. Your ACP document is not set in stone. You can change it as your values, beliefs, or preferences change.
5. There are many resources available to help you with ACP. Your healthcare provider, the MOH, and many other organizations can provide you with information and resources to help you with ACP.

How to Get Started with Advance Care Planning

The first step in ACP is to talk to your family and healthcare providers about your values, beliefs, and preferences for end-of-life care. You can also complete an ACP document, which is a written record of your wishes.

There are many different ACP documents available. You can find a sample ACP document on the MOH website.

Once you have completed an ACP document, be sure to share it with your family and healthcare providers. You should also keep a copy of your ACP document in a safe place.

Conclusion

Advance care planning is an important part of ensuring that your wishes are respected and that you receive the care you want, even if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

If you have not yet completed an ACP document, I encourage you to start the process today. There are many resources available to help you, and it could make a big difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Advance Care Planning: What are the Key Issues?

Key Issues in Advance Care Planning

• Communication: Ensuring that your wishes are communicated to your healthcare providers and family is essential.
• Decision-making: Deciding who will make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself is an important part of ACP.
• Care preferences: Discussing your preferences for end-of-life care, such as pain management and life-sustaining treatment, is an important part of ACP.
• Emotional support: Having support from family and friends can be invaluable during the ACP process.

Advance Care Planning: What are the Benefits?

Benefits of Advance Care Planning

• Peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected can give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
• Reduced stress: ACP can help reduce stress for you and your family.
• Improved communication: ACP can help improve communication between you and your healthcare providers.
• Better care: ACP can ensure that you receive the care you want.
• Avoidance of unwanted treatments: ACP can help you avoid unwanted treatments that may not be in your best interests.

Advance Care Planning: What are the Pros and Cons?

Pros of Advance Care Planning

• Ensures that your wishes are respected.
• Reduces stress for you and your family.
• Improves communication between you and your healthcare providers.
• Helps you avoid unwanted treatments.
• Can give you peace of mind.

Cons of Advance Care Planning

• Can be difficult to talk about end-of-life issues.
• May not be legally binding.
• Can be changed at any time.
• May not be appropriate for everyone.

Advance Care Planning: What are the Resources Available?

Resources for Advance Care Planning

• Ministry of Health (MOH): The MOH provides information and resources on ACP.
• Healthcare providers: Your healthcare provider can provide you with information and resources on ACP.
• Hospices: Hospices can provide you with information and resources on ACP.
• National Healthcare Group (NHG): NHG provides information and resources on ACP.
• SingHealth: SingHealth provides information and resources on ACP.