Advance Care Planning Australia is delighted to announce Chief Advocate for National Seniors Australia, Ian Henschke as an ambassador for National Advance Care Planning Week, April 16-22.
Former ABC broadcaster and South Australian identity, Ian Henschke, joins the ranks of ambassadors who represent clinical experts, researchers, authors and consumer advocacy leaders across Australia, who together are raising awareness of the need for people to make their future health care preferences known.
Following the death of his brother Richard, and with his other brothers, Philip and Mark who both have a background in medicine, Ian has come to recognise the importance and benefits of advance care planning. Ian is keen to ensure more Australians increase their understanding and uptake of advance care planning and that more senior Australians take a more active role in their future health care.
"I can think of no better way to honour Richie’s memory than to support this initiative. While our family still mourns losing Richie last year, we are relieved that he had a good death," explained Ian.
"Richie had the foresight to have an advance care directive in place, which he developed with our brothers, Philip and Mark. I can’t thank Philip and Mark enough for helping Richie through the process of clarifying his values and articulating what he wanted. It brought the entire family together and gave us peace of mind at a difficult time," said Ian.
Medical Director of Advance Care Planning Australia, Dr Karen Detering is delighted to welcome Ian as a National Advance Care Planning Week ambassador.
"Advance care planning is not just a medical issue - it’s a family issue and a community issue. It affects all of us. Ian’s personal story, coupled with his background in broadcasting and senior’s advocacy, helps to broaden our reach, raise awareness and underscores the family impact of advance care planning," said Dr Detering.
National Advance Care Planning Week is funded by the Australian Government and runs from April 16-22. To date almost 50 community groups and health organisations across Australia have signed up to host an event as part of the initiative, starting an important conversation in their community about making their future health care preferences known.
National Advance Care Planning Week is an initiative of Advance Care Planning Australia. ---
-
