Advance Care Planning Week (16 to 22 March 2026) is a time to pause and reflect on what matters most.
This year’s theme ‘Your story, your choice’ encourages everyone to think, talk and plan for the care they would want in the future.
Advance care planning is the process where an individual can map out the type of health and dental care they would or would not like to receive if they become seriously ill, injured or unable to communicate their preferences.
We recommend everyone consider advance care planning, regardless of age or health. It is more pressing if a person is older, suffers from a chronic illness or disease, has an early cognitive impairment or is heading towards end-of-life.
The planning process entails writing a legally binding advance care directive, which should include specific details about medical treatments and resuscitation. Your GP may also ask you to complete a form for the NSW Ambulance Service to let them know what medications and treatments they can provide if called.
When your plan is complete, you should share it with your GP, family, close friends and anyone else involved in your care or legal matters. Your plan, goals or preferences can be changed at any time.
SWSPHN has commissioned the Palliative Aged Care Consultancy Service (PACCS) to deliver advance care planning workshops, with funding provided under the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
The workshops are being facilitated by specially trained staff who will guide participants through why advance care planning is important and how to get started. Attendees are supported to discuss their future healthcare preferences, complete an advance care plan and, where appropriate, ensure a more formal advance care directive is completed and signed.
Workshops are being held at community sites across South Western Sydney.
Upcoming workshops:
- 27 March 2026 10.30am to 11.30am, Campbelltown HJ Library