Topics like Advance Care Directives, Power of Attorney and general discussion about what happens if we can no longer speak for ourselves can make for awkward conversation.
They are, however, vitally important and that’s why every year South Australians are encouraged to have these chats during Plan Ahead Week.
This year the week falls between September 9-15 and all adults, no matter what stage of life they’re at, are urged to complete these legal documents, empowering them to make informed decisions in advance and maintain control over their lives if someone else needs to make a decision for them in the future.
Planning ahead in the event of illness or sudden incapacitation can provide peace of mind and legal protection, yet a landmark national study – the ACP Prevalence Research Project – found that 70 per cent of people aged 65 and over have no advance care planning in place.
These discussions don’t have to be difficult. In fact, according to Adelaide's Lyndi Gepp, they can be an opportunity to talk about the things that really matter.
“Whilst the past 12 months have been incredibly challenging, I am so grateful that both of my parents had the foresight whilst they were in good physical and mental health to plan ahead and think about their future health and end of life care, living arrangements and what was important to them,” Ms Gepp, who recently lost her parents Colin and Barb, said.
“I was involved in this planning with both of my parents, which included making an Advance Care Directive (ACD), and it ended up being a really lovely opportunity to talk about the things that were important to them.
“I found out things that I hadn’t known about their values and beliefs. I mean yes, it was confronting in some ways, but it gave them such peace of mind knowing that I knew what was important to them.”
Ms Gepp’s mother Barb was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme, and her illness progressed rapidly, and she quickly lost the ability to make decisions for herself. In many cases such situations can lead to confusion and even disagreements over what’s best for a family member.
“However, because of the clear instructions in her ACD, I was able to ensure her wishes were respected,” Ms Gepp said.
“This included not only her medical care but also her end-of-life celebration.
“She was able to be very clear in her ACD that she didn’t want a funeral and even listed the songs she wanted played, with her favourite being Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
“Even in her final days, details like making sure music was playing in her room, wearing lipstick and covering her grey hairs, which were important to her, were respected by not only the family but by her care staff.
“The ACD provided me with this information which gave me the clarity and guidance I needed to make these decisions during an incredibly stressful time, and I was able to ensure it was exactly as she wanted.”
When Ms Gepp’s father Colin died, his ACD and Enduring Power of Attorney documents allowed her to make decisions with confidence that they were reflecting his wishes.
“The ACD also provided my dad the opportunity to be very clear that he wanted to stay living at home for as long as possible, so this was always front and centre of any discussions I had with the medical professionals and aged care system,” she said.
“Now, even after his death, the Enduring Power of Attorney document remains crucial because a death certificate hasn’t been issued yet, so I am still able to manage his estate and make decisions according to his wishes.
“Looking back, I cannot say strongly enough how thankful I am that we took the time to discuss these matters in advance.”
For more information, visit Plan Ahead(external site) (external site).
