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​​​​​​Have a Question on Advance Care Planning?

Here is a compilation of frequently asked questions ​about Advance Care Planning (ACP). ​

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Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a way to let you and doctors know how your loved ones want to be cared for in the event that they become unable to make decisions for themselves. ACP allows them to make these decisions a​head of time, discuss the values that underlie their decisions, write down their wishes and communicate them with you and the rest of the family members. These could include preferences for:

  • Resuscitation and life support
  • High risk surgery
  • Permanent tube feeding
  • ICU admissions

Talking openly about their care wishes with the rest of their family members can gives your loved ones a peace of mind and relieves your burden of having to make difficult decisions on their behalf when they no longer can make decisions fo​r themselves.​​

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​ACP is for anyone who is ready – whatever their age or health condition. It’s a way to give their loved ones the confidence to make decisions for them during a difficult time.​
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Here are the steps to start your ACP journey:

  1. Visit www.aic.sg/caregiving/acpdirectory for the current list of ACP providers.
  2. Think about who can be their healthcare spokesperson – a trusted family member or friend who can be their voice when they are not able to make decisions on their own.
  3. ​Bring their nominated healthcare spokesperson (NHS) along for their appointment with the ACP facilitator.​
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ACP may be done at government hospitals, polyclinics and ACP nodes. Find the neare​st provider. here.​ ​​

The objective of ACP is to help your loved ones have a ​say in their healthcare when they no longer have mental capacity. As long as they have mental capacity, they will be consulted on their preferences. ​

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​No, a lawyer is not required to do ACP. Please visit www.aic.sg/care-services​/acpdirectory to find an ACP provider. ​
Yes, as long as they have mental capacity, they may review their care preferences. Their most up-to-date ACP will repalce the previous version. They are encouraged to share with their loved ones and healthcare team about the changes.

They may contact their ACP service provider to update their Advance Care Plan.​

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ACP is also a conversation with the person or people who will represent your loved ones if they cannot speak for themselves. Their Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson speaks for them when they do not have capacity to decide for themselves or to communicate their wishes.

This person would ideally:

  1. Be at least 21 years old
  2. May be a family member or a close friend who knows them well.
  3. Be willing to speak up for their goals and values on their behalf.
  4. Be someone they trust and will act in their best interests to tell their doctors about the care they would like to receive should they lose mental capacity.
  5. be someone who can handle stressful situations well.

They may nominate up to two NHSs. Both NHs should be clear and in agreement about what their preferences are. ​

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The ACP, AMD and LPA are different but complementary tools which can help your loved ones plan ahead.​​

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A Lasting Power of Attorney grants their donee legal rights to make decisions for them. But it’s also important to make an Advance Care Plan with those who will make decisions about their care – they may have questions about their wishes. Examples of personal welfare matters include where they should live, day to day care decisions (e.g what to wear and eat) and whom they may have contact with.

​An Advance Medical Directive only states if they would like to refuse life prolonging treatment; it does help you and healthcare team to plan for all other aspects of their care. ​

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​No, the doctors are bound by medical ethics and the law to make sure that your loved ones' best interests are protected.

Doing ACP gives your loved ones​ a chance to make plans ahead, and helps the doctors to treat your loved ones in their best interests. ​

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​It is best to check the cost with the ACP provider directly.

Please visit our ACP Directory for their contact details. ​

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ACP f​acilitators are professionals employed by healthcare or social care organisations. All ACP facilitators are certified by AIC.