Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your wishes, values and future healthcare preferences, ensuring your voice is heard even when you can't speak for yourself.
An advance care plan is for everyone, no matter your age or health. It gives you peace of mind, relieves your loved ones from the burden of difficult decisions, and ensures you receive care that truly reflects what matters most to you.
Comprehensive advance care planning service tailored to your needs.
What We'll Do Together
We'll work together to help you think about the care you'd want in different medical situations, explore what matters most to you, and complete your Advance Care Directive.
Your Advance Care Directive includes:
A Values Directive – what's most important to you in your life and care
An Instructional Directive – legally binding directions about treatments you would or wouldn't want
What to Expect
Our session is a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and ask questions. It usually takes 60–90 minutes, and you're welcome to bring notes, documents, or a support person if that's helpful.
Appointments are generally held in your home, but can be arranged at another location or online if you prefer.
Investment
Advance Care Planning is accessible to everyone who wants to thoughtfully document their healthcare wishes. A fee of $300 covers your full 60–90 minute session and preparation of your Advance Care Directive, including draft review and final document ready for witnessing.
About Me
Hi, I'm Lynne Centner. Through both my professional work and personal journey, I've come to understand the profound difference that Advance Care Planning can make. I am an Ahpra registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience and have witnessed countless families navigate some of life's most challenging moments.
I believe that open conversations about our values and preferences—while we're well and able to express them clearly—are among the greatest gifts we can give our loved ones. My role is to facilitate these important discussions and help you create a plan that truly reflects who you are and what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about advance care planning
Advance Care Planning is the process of thinking ahead about the kind of medical treatment and care you would want, if you ever became seriously unwell and were unable to make decisions for yourself. It involves reflecting on your values, talking with your loved ones, and documenting your wishes so that your voice is heard, should you be unable to speak for yourself.
ACP ensures your healthcare reflects your values and preferences, should you be unable to communicate them. It reduces stress and uncertainty for your loved ones during challenging times, giving them clear guidance about what you would want. Research shows it reduces anxiety for families and provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
Everyone! Advance Care Planning isn't just for the elderly or those with serious illness. A sudden illness or injury can happen at any age, so the best time to plan is when you're well and able to think clearly about your wishes.
The sooner the better! Start when you're healthy and can make clear decisions, regardless of your age. It's much easier to reflect on your values when you're not dealing with an illness or crisis. You should also review your plans after major life events like a serious diagnosis, surgery, or significant health changes.
An Advance Care Directive is a legal document that records your preferences for future medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. In Victoria, it includes:
Values Directive: Expressing what matters most to you
Instructional Directive: Legally binding instructions about specific treatments you would accept or refuse
Your Advance Care Directive only takes effect if you lose decision-making capacity. Until then, you remain in complete control of your healthcare decisions.
ACP provides clear guidance during challenging times, so your family and decision makers aren't left with uncertainty or burdened by guilt about making the "right" decision. They can focus on supporting you, knowing they're honouring your values and choices.
You should still complete an Advance Care Directive and it will be used to guide your medical treating team to make treatment decisions that align with your values.
In Victoria, your Advance Care Directive must be signed and witnessed by a medical practitioner (your doctor or specialist). They will review the document as prepared, discuss your choices with you, and confirm that you have the capacity to make these decisions and have made them voluntarily.
Absolutely! We recommend reviewing your directive every two years, or sooner if your health or circumstances change. You can update or replace it at any time while you have decision-making capacity.
Contact me for a phone consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions. From there, we can schedule your appointment to explore your values and wishes and create your personalised Advance Care Directive.
Contact me
Address
Melbourne VIC, Australia
Phone
+61 418 302 769Operating Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Life Happens ACP
DISCLAIMER: We provide facilitation services to help you prepare your Advance Care Directive. We are not medical practitioners or lawyers, and any information or guidance we provide is not medical or legal advice. You must consult with a medical practitioner before executing your Advance Care Directive. We do not monitor changes in your health or legal circumstances. You are responsible for reviewing and updating your Advance Care Directive as your circumstances change. We accept no responsibility or liability for decisions you make based on our services, or for outcomes resulting from failure to consult qualified medical or legal professionals.