Sharing Your Plans
TRUSTED SHARING OF WISHES & PLANS
You have made important plans for your future. The next step is to share those plans with the people you trust. This guide will help you talk about your wishes in a calm and clear way.
Sharing your plans is a gift to your family. It helps them know exactly how to support you. When your wishes are clear, it stops them from having to guess what you would have wanted, which takes away a lot of worry and stress for them.
Part 1: Getting Ready for the Talk
A little bit of planning can help the conversation go smoothly.
Who Should You Talk To?
Think about the people who need to know about your plans. This could be:
Your close family and friends.
Your doctor or aged care helper.
Your legal or financial advisor.
The people on your support team.
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Pick a time when everyone is relaxed and can focus.
Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you won't be interrupted.
Turn off the TV and put phones away.
Make sure no one is feeling rushed or stressed.
Part 2: Having the Conversation
This is your chance to share what is most important to you.
How to Start the Talk
Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. You can try saying something simple and positive, like:
“I’ve been thinking about the future, and I’d like to share my plans with you so we’re all on the same page.”
“To make things easier for everyone later on, I’ve made some plans. Can we talk about them?"
What to Share
You don’t need to share every single detail. Focus on the most important things.
Explain the main points of your plans.
Talk about your values and wishes—what makes life good for you.
Be clear about who you have chosen to help you and what their jobs are. You can use your written plans, like your Financial Master List, to help explain everything.
Please refer to !SELF-HELP GUIDE: FINANCIAL MASTER LIST.!DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: FAMILY DISCUSSION GUIDE
Part 3: Keeping Your Plans Up to Date
Your plans might change as your life changes, so it’s important to keep them current.
When to Review Your Plans
It’s a good idea to look at your plans at least once a year. You should also review them after a big life event, such as a change in your health, family, or financial situation.
Sharing Any Updates
When you make a change, let your trusted supporters know.
You could have a family meeting once a year to talk about any updates.
For small changes, a quick phone call or an email is fine.
Make sure to give them new copies of any important papers you have updated.
By sharing your plans, you are staying in control of your life and looking after the people you love
DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: LETTER/EMAIL FOR SHARING PLANS
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.
Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.