Advance care planning
- Advance care planning can help you to have a say in what type of care you receive in the future.
- It helps others understand your values, beliefs and preferences for when you are no longer able to make or communicate decisions about your health and personal care.
- Advance care planning can start at any age. It is best started when you are feeling well and able to make decisions.
Advance care planning is a voluntary process of planning for future health and personal care where your values, beliefs and preferences are made known to guide decision-making at a future time when you cannot make or communicate your decisions.
Everyone should consider advance care planning, regardless of their age or health. It can be particularly important to individuals such as people with an advanced chronic illness, a life-limiting illness, are aged 75+ years or at risk of losing competence.
More advance care planning information
Education sessions
Palliative Care WA delivers free, informative and interactive community workshops on advance care planning and palliative care in Perth and regional WA. Workshops cover are run in person or online. For more information or to book a workshop visit Palliative Care WA (external site).
Where to get help
Advance care planning
- Department of Health WA Advance Care Planning Information Line
General enquiries and to order advance care planning resources (e.g. Advance Health Directives, Values and Preferences form)
Phone: 9222 2300
Email: ACP@health.wa.gov.au
- Palliative Care WA Helpline
Information and support on issues to do with advance care planning, palliative care, grief and loss
Phone: 1800 573 299 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day)
Palliative Care WA (external site)
- National Advance Care Planning Free Support Service
General queries and support with completing advance care planning documents
Phone: 1300 208 582 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm AEST)
Online referral form (external site)
Enduring Powers of Guardianship and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Last reviewed: 01-08-2022
Acknowledgements
End of Life Care Program
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.