How to talk about future care

Talking about future health care isn't always easy, but it helps everyone involved. It can ease worry, avoid confusion and support better decision making later.

You might want to share your own values and preferences. Or you might be checking in with someone you care about to understand what matters to them.

Whether you're talking with a loved one or a health professional, these conversations are a chance to listen, learn and plan ahead together.

Duration: 01:16

Transcript for Advance care planning: Talking about it

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>>Narrator (female voice over): When it comes time to consider advanced care planning, talking about it with your loved ones can often be tough because it may be hard for them to hear what you have to say. The talking is important—in fact, it's everything.

If you need someone to make important healthcare decisions for you, they need to know what you would have chosen. They need to know about your health, what's currently happening, and what the future might hold. They need to understand the things you value most, including what you want to happen and what you don't.

Finally, try to talk through the things that are on your mind, including the trade-offs you would consider if it meant you could still do the things you love. It's difficult, but you need to prepare them to help you live the life you want to live.

So, when you're ready, talk to your family, your friends, and your doctor; with anyone you trust who could make decisions for you. Because the first step in any advanced care plan is talking.

For more information, visit our website or call for advice and support.

[Text on screen] Advancecareplanning.org.au
P:130208582
Advance Care Planning Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government and is an initiative of Austin Health. Copyright Austin Health December 2017

>>Narrator (female voice over):  For more information, visit our website or call for advice and support.

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End of transcript

Support and more information

We can guide you through advance care planning, from starting conversations, completing the right documents and storing them safely.

Call our National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service on 1300 208 582

Email us at acpa@advancecareplanning.org.au

We're here from 8 am to 4 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.

Order a free starter pack

We can post you a free advance care planning information pack or you can download a copy yourself.

Real stories

  • Carol's story

    Carol lives independently and alone in country Victoria. A few years ago, she was given a number of major health diagnoses that sparked the beginning of her advance care planning journey.

  • Christina wrote a plan she hoped she would never need

    Christina was 68, two years into retirement and living the ‘sea change’ dream when she suffered a brain aneurysm at home.

  • Respecting your values

    Sometimes people realise after completing their advance care directive that the person they've chosen to be their substitute decision-maker is not the right choice.

Last updated: May 2026

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