What You Missed on Oli 96.8FM: Planning Ahead with ACP and LPA

In a recent interview on Oli 96.8FM, Dr Vidhya Pillay shared valuable insights on the importance of planning ahead for healthcare decisions — a topic that resonates especially with Singapore’s ageing population. If you didn’t catch the segment, here’s what you need to know.

Medically reviewed and written by Dr Vidhya Dharshini Pillay

Taking Control of Future Care

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that allows individuals to reflect on, discuss, and document their healthcare preferences — ensuring that their wishes are known and respected if they ever lose the ability to make decisions for themselves.

Dr Pillay highlighted that ACP is particularly meaningful for seniors, as it helps prevent unnecessary or invasive treatments that may not align with a person's values. By documenting care preferences early, individuals can ease decision-making for their families and promote a more personalised approach to end-of-life care.

Importantly, ACP isn’t just for the elderly or those with serious illnesses. Dr Pillay emphasised that anyone, regardless of age or health status, can start the process. These conversations should ideally involve family members or close friends, as well as healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, or medical social workers who can help guide the discussion and ensure wishes are medically informed.

Steps to Get Started

Beginning ACP starts with self-reflection. What matters most to you in life and care? Once you’re clear on your values, choose a trusted individual to act as your Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS) — someone who can speak on your behalf when you’re unable to. A trained facilitator can then help you document your wishes.

Your ACP should also be reviewed regularly — for example, when you reach a new decade in life, receive a major diagnosis, or experience changes in daily functioning. Keeping your plan updated ensures it remains relevant to your current circumstances.

ACP vs. AMD: What’s the Difference?

While many confuse ACP with the Advance Medical Directive (AMD), Dr Pillay clarified the distinction. The AMD is a legal document that specifically states your refusal of extraordinary life-sustaining treatment in certain scenarios. ACP, on the other hand, is broader and more flexible — a conversation-based process that captures your healthcare values and treatment preferences across a range of situations.

How the LPA Complements ACP

In addition to ACP, Dr Pillay spoke about the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) — another essential tool in future care planning. The LPA is a legal document that appoints someone (a donee) to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity.

Together, ACP and LPA form a strong foundation: the ACP outlines your healthcare preferences, and the LPA gives your appointed donee the authority to act on those preferences.

Start the Conversation Early

Dr Pillay’s message was clear: don’t wait for a health crisis. Start these conversations while you’re still healthy and able. Think about what’s important to you, talk to your loved ones, and work with healthcare professionals to formalise your plans.

Schedule an appointment with Dr Vidhya Pillay, our Family Physician today, for your first ACP or LPA consultation.

Dr Vidhya Dharshini Pillay is an accredited Family Physician with more than 15 years of medical practice and a special interest in geriatric medicine, palliative care, home care and community medicine.