New research from Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) has revealed most older Australians don’t have an Advanced Care Directive (ACD) – leaving no instructions in the event that they are unable to make their own medical decisions.
The largest and most comprehensive piece of research into the frequency of ACDs in the country. The study reviewed health records for individuals at the ‘point-of-care’ in 51 hospitals, aged care facilities and GP clinics across six states and territories.
Less than a third of people reviewed had an ACD in place, while few of these had documented their preferences for care or appointed a Power of Attorney to make critical decisions on their behalf if they lost the capacity to do so themselves.
Don’t leave it to chance
Dr Karen Detering, Medical Director of ACPA says it’s “concerning” that so many Australians are leaving it to chance and not taking active control of their future healthcare, especially in the face of an ageing population.
“Without a plan, older people may be left vulnerable and potentially without a voice. And far too often loved ones are left to blindly make decisions under the worst circumstances,” she said.
Agreed – these findings are incredibly worrying. Planning for the future is a vital conversation between an individual and their loved ones and should always be had as early on as possible.
You can find more information about Advanced Care Planning on agedcare101 here.
See our story further down on appointing a Power of Attorney.
