Life is full of uncertainties. While we often prepare for the big milestones, buying a home, getting married, and having children, we tend to overlook one of the most important conversations we can have: what happens if we’re unable to speak for ourselves in the future?
That’s where advance care planning in Singapore comes in. It’s not just for the elderly or those with medical conditions. It’s for everyone who wants to ensure their healthcare preferences are respected, even when they can’t voice them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what advance care planning is, why it’s becoming more common among Singaporeans, and how you can take the first step.
What Is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?
Advance care planning (ACP) is a voluntary process where you express your values, beliefs, and preferences regarding your future medical care. It allows you to share your thoughts with your loved ones and medical team, so they can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to.
It’s not about predicting every medical situation. Rather, it’s about giving your loved ones a clear sense of what you’d want in those uncertain moments.
Principles Of Advanced Care Planning
To fully understand what is advance care planning, it is useful to look at the principles that form the foundation of this important process. In Singapore, these principles are designed to uphold dignity, autonomy, and compassionate care.
- Respect For Autonomy
You have the right to make decisions about your own body and health. This includes the right to accept or refuse treatments and to outline your preferences for future care in advance. - Informed Communication
Advance care planning encourages honest and thoughtful discussions between you, your loved ones, and healthcare providers. Everyone involved should understand your values and preferences so they can carry them out when the time comes. - Clarity And Documentation
It is essential to clearly document your preferences. This ensures that your wishes are not lost or misinterpreted and that those caring for you have a reliable reference to follow. - Ongoing Review And Flexibility
Your preferences may change over time due to new experiences, medical developments, or changes in personal beliefs. Advance care planning in Singapore recognises this and allows you to update your plans as needed.
The 3 Types Of Advance Care Planning In Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Health recognises that different people are at different stages of health and may need different levels of planning. Understanding these types can help you decide which is right for your situation.
1. General ACP
Who It’s For: Healthy individuals or those with stable, long-term conditions.
What It Covers: General ACP is suitable for individuals who wish to share their personal values and beliefs about healthcare before a serious illness occurs. It allows you to express what quality of life means to you, what treatments you might wish to avoid, and your preferred setting for care (such as being cared for at home versus in a hospital).
It also gives you a chance to appoint a Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson, someone you trust to speak on your behalf if you are ever unable to make your own medical decisions.
This is the most common type of ACP and is highly recommended, even for young and healthy individuals. It’s a proactive way to take responsibility for your future.
2. Disease-Specific ACP
Who It’s For: Individuals with a known medical condition, such as cancer, heart disease, or kidney failure, that may progress or become life-threatening.
What It Covers: Disease-Specific ACP is more focused than general ACP. It addresses specific medical scenarios that may arise as the condition worsens. For example, someone with heart failure may discuss their preferences around resuscitation or the use of breathing machines, while someone with cancer may talk about when they would consider stopping aggressive treatments.
This type of ACP is often done in partnership with a healthcare professional who understands the medical condition and can explain the possible treatment paths and outcomes.
It ensures that care planning is realistic and in line with the person’s condition and prognosis while still respecting their values and preferences.
3. Preferred Plan of Care (PPC)
Who It’s For: Individuals with advanced, end-stage illnesses who are nearing the final stages of life.
What It Covers: The PPC is the most detailed form of ACP. It focuses on end-of-life care and helps patients, families, and care teams make clear decisions about interventions, palliative care, place of care, and preferred place of death.
PPC discussions are typically led by trained ACP facilitators such as doctors, nurses, or medical social workers. This document may include a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, but only if it is medically appropriate and discussed with a physician.
The PPC is especially helpful in reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring that the final phase of life is as comfortable and dignified as possible, according to the person’s wishes.
Who Should Consider Advance Care Planning?
The short answer? Everyone.
You don’t need to be facing a medical condition or nearing old age. If you’re over 21, mentally sound, and want to be prepared for the unexpected, you’re encouraged to start planning.
Situations where ACP can be especially useful include:
- Chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease
- High-risk professions
- Single individuals without close family
- People going through a major life transition, such as a Divorce
How To Get Started With Advance Care Planning In Singapore
Getting started with advance care planning in Singapore may feel unfamiliar, but it does not have to be difficult. Here is a straightforward way to initiate the process and ensure your wishes are respected, regardless of what happens in the future.
1. Reflect On What Matters To You
Think about your values, beliefs, and priorities when it comes to medical care. Would you prefer comfort care at home over aggressive treatment in a hospital? Is staying conscious and aware more important than prolonging life by any means? These personal reflections are the first step in creating a meaningful plan.
2. Have An Open Conversation
Speak with your family members or someone close to you whom you trust. Let them know what you want and why. These conversations may be difficult, but they are essential. When the time comes, your loved ones will feel more confident making decisions on your behalf if they have heard your wishes directly from you.
3. Appoint A Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson
This is someone you choose to speak for you if you are unable to do so. They should understand your preferences well and be prepared to communicate them to your medical team.
4. Document Your Wishes Clearly
Use the official National ACP Form to record your healthcare preferences. This document can be shared with your doctors and family, and it becomes a valuable reference if you become seriously ill or incapacitated.
5. Consult A Professional If You Need Support
If your personal circumstances are complex, such as when there are ongoing family disputes, a past Divorce, or prior Court involvement, you may benefit from legal advice. A trusted law firm like Tembusu Law can help ensure your advance care plan aligns with your legal rights and personal circumstances.
Conclusion About Advance Care Planning In Singapore
At Tembusu Law, we understand that preparing for the future can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most caring things you can do for your family. Whether you’re thinking about advance care planning in Singapore, navigating family discussions, or dealing with Divorce or legal appointments of a proxy, our experienced team is here to guide you.
We’re proud to be known as the best criminal lawyers and family lawyers in Singapore, and we bring the same level of empathy and professionalism to your advanced care planning journey.
Contact us today, get a free consultation, and take control of your future with clarity and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Care Planning In Singapore
Why Is Advance Care Planning Important?
It helps ensure that your medical care aligns with your values and wishes, even when you can’t speak for yourself. It also relieves your loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions during stressful times.
At What Age Should I Consider Advance Care Planning?
Anyone above 21 years old can start. It’s especially encouraged for those with long-term health conditions or who want to ensure their preferences are honoured in any situation.
Is Advance Care Planning Legally Binding In Singapore?
While an ACP document is not legally binding like a will or LPA, it is recognised by healthcare providers and helps guide medical decisions in line with your stated preferences.
How Is ACP Different From A Will Or LPA?
A will handles your assets after death, while an LPA assigns someone to manage your affairs. ACP focuses on your medical treatment preferences if you can’t communicate them.
Can I Change My Advance Care Plan Later?
Yes. ACP is flexible. You can update your preferences at any time, especially if your health or values change.
