What is Advanced Care Planning (ACP)?

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a proactive process for one to discuss and document healthcare preferences with loved ones, eventually developing a care plan that reflects desired values and wishes. By planning ahead, it ensures that one’s medical care reflects personal values and beliefs if one ends up being unable to make their own decisions.

For those looking to explore advanced care planning, it gives a peace of mind, knowing that your preferences will be respected in times of medical uncertainty.

For caregivers, ACP offers important emotional, practical, and relational benefits for caregivers. It helps caregivers feel more confident, supported, and prepared when caring for loved ones—especially during serious illness or crisis. Planning ahead, and equipping oneself with the required knowledge and skills, will help one be more prepared for the caregiving journey.

ACP discussions are available in hospitals, polyclinics, and even via tele-ACP. Here is how one can start their ACP journey.

Starting your ACP journey

ACP takes a compassionate approach that honours each individual as a whole person. It helps to:

• Enhance quality of life by aligning with your personal values, fosters dignity and well-being
• Strengthen trust by building stronger relationships between yourself, your loved ones, and healthcare providers
• Increase individual and family satisfaction by reducing stress, helping you and your loved ones prepare for future decisions, and for your wishes to be respected

Developing a care plan

A care plan is essentially documenting how you would want to be cared for. This is often developed in tandem with professionals. This includes:

• Personal information
• Medical conditions
• Care goals
• Daily living needs
• Financial planning
• Support network
• Service providers

In Singapore, Advance Care Planning is facilitated by:

Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)

The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), under the Ministry of Health, coordinates and promotes community and eldercare services to help Singaporeans live well and age gracefully. Amongst its key roles, AIC is the national driving force behind ACP initiatives Singapore-wide.

AIC has been providing resources and support for ACP since 2011, with information on how to start the process and where to find facilitators. ACP partners with healthcare clusters and community providers to make ACP more accessible. Check out ACP resources here.

Contact & Support

AIC Hotline: 1800‑650‑6060 (Mon–Fri 8:30‑20:30; Sat 8:30‑16:00)

Email: enquiries@aic.sg

Walk‑in: Visit any nearby AIC Link branch (map available via AIC site)

Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions

Many hospitals and healthcare institutions in Singapore offer ACP services and facilitate conversations with patients and their families.

• SingHealth (SGH, CGH, SKH, NHCS, selected polyclinics) runs the “Living Matters” ACP initiative—as a national programme facilitating conversations, documentations, and advance care planning
• NHG Health (TTSH, KTPH, Yishun CH, IMH)
• NUHS (NUH, Alexandra Hospital, JurongHealth Campus) also supports ACP through its hospitals and polyclinics

Why one should tap onto these resources

• All facilitators are certified under the national ACP programme administered by the Agency for Integrated Care and Ministry of Health
• ACP through these providers is low‑cost or free

By engaging in ACP, individuals can make informed decisions about their future healthcare, ensuring that their values and wishes are respected and honored.

MyLegacy@LifeSG

MyLegacy @ LifeSG is a digital service provided by the Singapore government, designed to help residents plan and manage their end-of-life matters. Here are some services they offer:

Advice on preparation of legal documents

• Advance care planning (ACP)
• Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
• Advance medical directive (AMD)
• Will writing

Digital Vault

• To securely store important documents and personal information (e.g., insurance, CPF nominations, property ownership) via Singpass
• Enables easier access for family members when needed

Support for Bereaved Families

• Provides information on what to do after a loved one passes, including notifying agencies and accessing support services