Life plans prepares you for what may happen to you when you are alive, for example in a life and death situation or when you’re mentally incapacitated to make decisions for yourself.
Let’s take a look at some of them:
LPA – Lasting Power of Attorney
In Singapore, a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint one or more persons to make decisions on their behalf should they become mentally incapacitated. This document ensures that the individual’s interests are protected even if they are unable to make decisions for themselves.
Who needs a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney is recommended for anyone over the age of 21, especially for those who are getting older, have a history of medical conditions or illnesses, or are worried about losing their mental capacity due to an accident or illness. By creating an LPA, they can appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf, thereby ensuring their interests are safeguarded.
Types of LPA
In Singapore, there are two types of LPA, namely the property and affairs LPA and the personal welfare LPA.
The property and affairs LPA allows the appointed person to manage the individual’s finances and assets, including selling property, managing investments, and paying bills. The appointed person will act in the best interest of the individual and ensure their financial affairs are handled responsibly.
On the other hand, the personal welfare LPA allows the appointed person to make decisions regarding the individual’s personal welfare, such as healthcare, living arrangements, and day-to-day decisions. The appointed person must act in the best interest of the individual and take their personal beliefs and values into consideration when making decisions.
ACP – Advance Care Plan/directives
Advance care planning is an essential component of healthcare that is often overlooked. In Singapore, there is an increasing need to promote advance care planning as the population ages, and chronic illnesses become more prevalent. Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about future healthcare and end-of-life care preferences. It involves discussing and documenting a person’s wishes, values, and beliefs concerning their medical treatment, should they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
Importance of Advance Care Planning
The importance of advance care planning cannot be overstated. It enables individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and end-of-life care preferences, and it also helps to reduce the stress and burden on families who may be called upon to make decisions on behalf of their loved ones. Advance care planning provides individuals with the opportunity to express their preferences regarding medical treatment, such as the use of life-sustaining treatments, palliative care, or hospice care. It also allows individuals to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
Advance Care Planning in Singapore
In Singapore, the government has taken steps to promote advance care planning through various initiatives. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched a national campaign called “Living Matters” to encourage Singaporeans to plan for their future healthcare needs. The campaign aims to raise awareness about advance care planning and encourages individuals to discuss their healthcare preferences with their families and healthcare providers. The MOH has also published a guide on advance care planning to provide individuals with information on the process and the options available.
Components of Advance Care Planning
Advance Medical Directive aka Living Will
In Singapore, individuals can also make an Advance Medical Directive (AMD), which is a legal document that allows individuals to refuse specific medical treatments in advance. The AMD is a legally binding document that must be signed by the individual in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the document. The AMD allows individuals to refuse life-sustaining treatments, such as artificial ventilation, dialysis, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The AMD must be registered with the Registrar of AMDs, and healthcare providers must be informed of its existence.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care is an essential component of advance care planning. In Singapore, palliative care services are available to individuals with advanced illnesses or terminal conditions. Hospice care is also available to individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. These services aim to provide relief from pain and other symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with advanced illnesses. Advance care planning allows individuals to express their preferences regarding end-of-life care and ensures that their wishes are respected.