Advanced Care Planning in Singapore

Talking about death is never easy and planning for the end of life can be worse. Yet, one of the most compassionate acts we can do for ourselves and our loved ones is to make our wishes known before difficult moments arise. This is where Advanced Care Planning (ACP) comes in.

What is Advanced Care Planning?

Advanced Care Planning is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your healthcare preferences in case you are unable to make decisions for yourself in the future. It helps ensure that your values and choices are respected — whether it’s the type of medical care you want, who you would like to speak on your behalf, or how you wish to be supported during serious illness.

Why is ACP Important?

🌸 Clarity for loved ones – Families are often faced with stressful decisions during emergencies. ACP removes uncertainty and prevents guilt or conflict.
🌸 Respect for your wishes – Ensures your healthcare aligns with your values, beliefs, and comfort.
🌸 Peace of mind – You can focus on living fully, knowing that your future care is already thoughtfully planned.

Key Steps in Advanced Care Planning

1. Reflect on your values and priorities – What matters most to you? Comfort, independence, spiritual support, or medical intervention?
2. Choose a trusted decision-maker – Appoint someone who understands your wishes and can speak on your behalf.
3. Discuss openly – Share your thoughts with loved ones so they are aware and prepared.
4. Document your preferences – In Singapore, this can include an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
5. Review regularly – Life circumstances change. Keep your plan updated.

Documents Needed for ACP

When preparing for ACP, there are several important legal documents you may wish to consider. Each serves a different purpose in ensuring your healthcare and personal decisions are respected:

1. Advance Care Plan (ACP Form)
- A non-legal but important document recording your values, care preferences, and who you’d like to make decisions for you.
- Facilitated by trained ACP professionals in hospitals, polyclinics, or community partners.
- Ensures doctors and family members understand your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself.

2. Advance Medical Directive (AMD)
- A legal document under the Ministry of Health (MOH).
States that you do not want extraordinary life-sustaining treatment (like machines to prolong life) if you are terminally ill and unconscious, and death is inevitable.
- Must be completed with a doctor and registered with the Registrar of AMD at MOH.

3. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
- A legal document under the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
- Lets you appoint one or more “donees” (trusted persons) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
- Covers personal welfare (health, living arrangements, daily care) and/or property & financial matters.
- Must be signed before a certificate issuer (lawyer, medical practitioner, or psychiatrist).

4. Will
- A legal document stating how your estate (property, savings, belongings) will be distributed after your death.
- Allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate and ensures your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes.

5. CPF Nomination
- Allows you to specify who will receive your CPF savings upon your death.
- Without a nomination, CPF savings will be distributed according to intestacy laws.

6. Insurance Policies & Funeral Pre-Planning Documents
- Ensuring beneficiaries are updated and policies are accessible gives families peace of mind.
- Pre-planning a funeral (e.g., choosing packages, setting aside funds, stating preferences for religious rites) reduces stress on family members during difficult times.

Advanced Care Planning is not about focusing on death. It’s about living with intention, dignity, and ensuring your loved ones are never left guessing in moments of crisis. By making decisions today, you are leaving a legacy of clarity, love, and care.

🌸 How Harmony Funeral Care Can Help

We don’t just provide funeral services — we guide families through these life-planning documents, explain the differences in simple terms, and connect them with the right professionals (lawyers, medical providers, or facilitators). This way, families can approach ACP with confidence, clarity, and compassion.