Planning Ahead Isn’t About Dying. It’s About Living 🌿

We make plans for holidays, family celebrations and the things we look forward to. But how often do we plan for the unexpected?

Planning ahead can feel uncomfortable. It may bring thoughts of illness, losing independence or death. These are things we'd rather not think about while we're busily enjoying living.

However, planning ahead isn't about expecting the worst. It's about making choices today that can give you greater confidence, reassurance and freedom to enjoy tomorrow.

Whilst you may not be ready to die, you can be prepared (thanks Catherine Ashton!)

Planning ahead isn't about changing how you feel about life. It's about considering what matters to you and making sure your wishes are known if, one day, you can't communicate them yourself.

You might be fit and healthy, enjoying retirement, travelling or spending time with family. Death may feel a long way off. However, an unexpected illness or accident can happen at any age. Thinking about your preferences while you're well gives you time to explore your options without the pressure of having to make decisions in a crisis.

How planning ahead helps you live well

It can reduce worry. Knowing you've considered your options and made your wishes known can ease some of the uncertainty about what might happen in the future.

It can ease the burden on loved ones. When family members understand what matters to you, they're less likely to be left guessing or worrying about whether they're making the right decisions on your behalf. It helps keep your voice in the conversation. Talking about your values, preferences and priorities can help guide future decisions about your care if you're unable to speak for yourself. It gives you more space to enjoy the present. You can't predict everything life will bring, but taking practical steps now can help you feel more prepared — and more comfortable getting on with the things you enjoy.

Where do you start?

You don't need to do everything at once. Start by asking yourself:

What would I want the people closest to me to know if I couldn't tell them myself?

A conversation with family, learning about your options or considering an Advance Care Directive and appointing a Medical Treatment Decision Maker in Victoria are all possible first steps.

The documents aren't the end goal. The real value is the clarity, confidence and reassurance they can provide — for you and the people you love.

Planning ahead this Victorian Seniors Festival

As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, The Practical Doula is hosting two October events to help you explore the benefits of planning ahead in a practical, welcoming environment.

The Value of Advance Care Planning

Tuesday 20 October | 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Vermont South Neighbourhood House, Vermont South.

A free presentation exploring how planning ahead can clarify your wishes, reduce uncertainty and give you and your loved ones greater peace of mind.

Bookings: info@vsnh.org.au or 9803 2335. Visit The Practical Doula's events page for details.

Planning Ahead

Tuesday 27 October | 10am - 1.00pm

Godfrey Street Community House, Bentleigh.

A practical workshop to help you understand your planning options and consider your next steps. Includes a take-home Keep Calm and Prepare Kit.

Cost: $40 per person.

Bookings: 03 9557 9037. Visit The Practical Doula's events page for details. 

Plan for tomorrow. Enjoy today.

None of us knows exactly what the future holds. But we can take steps to make it a little less uncertain.

Planning ahead is about making your wishes known, helping the people you love feel more confident, and giving yourself greater peace of mind.

You don't have to be ready to die, to be prepared. You can plan for tomorrow and get on with living today. You are invited to schedule a complimentary, 15-minute meeting with The Practical Doula to discuss your circumstances and discover how we can support you. 🌿