Planning for care at life’s later stages is among the most difficult conversations families face. Although it can feel uncomfortable or emotional to talk about the end of life, initiating the discussion early is an act of clarity, dignity and love. By planning ahead, residents and their families are better able to think through what matters most, reduce stress in a crisis and ensure wishes are honoured.
In Singapore, this planning is grounded in Advance Care Planning (ACP). ACP is a nationally recognised framework for thinking about, discussing and documenting your healthcare values and preferences. As part of ACP there is a recognised approach called the Preferred Plan of Care (PPC). This is designed for people with advanced illness and nearing the last year of life to explore and record their healthcare preferences and values.
At Orange Valley, when we talk about a resident’s Preferred Plan of Care, we are referring to their personalised PPC within this national ACP framework. Our role is to help residents and families work through these discussions, document their preferences and ensure care teams can act on them. We are not creating a new process but supporting them in using the existing ACP tools in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
Turning a Difficult Conversation into a Loving Plan
End-of-life care planning is far more than filling out a document. It is a reflective journey of thinking through your values, beliefs and medical preferences and translating those into clear, documented plans. This kind of planning allows residents to decide ahead of time what types of care they would wish to receive or refuse in cases where they may no longer be able to express those wishes themselves. It also provides guidance to family, caregivers and healthcare professionals so that decisions made in a critical moment are aligned with the person’s values.
Putting Your Wishes at the Heart of Your Care
Through continuous training and certification our staff have developed the knowledge and expertise to support residents and families during this sensitive stage. This capability forms the foundation of our OLIVE approach (Optimal, Living, Individualised, Value, Empathy), a holistic care philosophy combining medical support, emotional comfort and empathy for both residents and their loved ones.
When a resident approaches their final days our dedicated OLIVE Room offers a calm and private environment to support both them and their loved ones. It provides a conducive space for family members to visit, spend meaningful time and say their goodbyes while our staff deliver compassionate, individualised care that honours each person’s values and wishes.
We also understand that after a loved one passes away, families can feel overwhelmed by administrative tasks and official requirements. While Orange Valley does not manage post-death arrangements directly, we offer practical guidance by directing families to MyLegacy@LifeSG, a government platform that provides step-by-step instructions on registering a death, collecting documents and accessing relevant services.
Why Thoughtful Planning Brings Comfort and Clarity
Planning for end-of-life care or what we call, Preferred Plan of Care, gives resident a voice when you may no longer be able to express yourself. A clear plan ensures that your wishes are honoured by both your loved ones and your healthcare team. This clarity brings comfort, not just to you but to those who will be supporting you. Families often find great relief knowing exactly what their loved one wanted, especially in moments of crisis when decisions can feel overwhelming.
Advance planning also allows healthcare professionals to coordinate care that truly reflects your values. At Orange Valley, our doctors, nurses and customer care team work together to ensure that the care you receive is consistent with your preferences, whether that means prioritising comfort, focusing on symptom relief or exploring hospice options. This alignment of care and values improves your quality of life during some of its most vulnerable stages.
For more information on Advance Care Planning and the key areas involved, you can also visit the Agency for Integrated Care’s website at www.aic.sg/care-services/advance-care-planning.
Opening the Door to Honest, Gentle Conversations
Talking about wishes for serious or terminal illness can feel daunting, but with careful support it becomes a meaningful and empowering experience. The conversation ideally begins by reflecting on what matters most: dignity, autonomy, comfort, spiritual beliefs, relationships and how those translate into medical and personal care decisions.
Approach these talks in a gentle, respectful way, for example “I would like us to think together about the care I would want so there is clarity later.” Choose a calm, private setting and use open language.
At Orange Valley, our staff are trained to help families hold these conversations without pressure, allowing space for emotions, uncertainty and evolving viewpoints. Over time the resident, family, caregivers and medical team form a shared understanding of what matters most so that, if a critical moment comes, everyone is more confident about acting in line with the resident’s wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?
ACP is a process of thinking through, discussing and recording your values, goals and preferences for future healthcare decisions. It ensures that your wishes are known even if you become unable to speak for yourself.
What is a Preferred Plan of Care (PPC)?
A PPC is a recognised approach under ACP for people with advanced illness and nearing the last year of life. It explores and records healthcare preferences and values. At Orange Valley the PPC is simply our way of referring to your personalised plan within the national ACP framework. We do not claim to have created it.
How does Orange Valley support end-of-life planning?
We guide residents in clarifying their values, discussing options with family, documenting their wishes and making sure these are communicated to relevant caregivers and medical teams.
Does Orange Valley deal with financial or estate matters?
No. We focus on healthcare and care preferences. We may direct you to resources or advisors for legal, financial or estate planning when needed.
Can Orange Valley help with post-death processes?
We do not handle those arrangements directly, but we support families by guiding them to LifeSG, Singapore’s government portal that provides step-by-step instructions on registering a death and managing related tasks.
Planning for care at life’s later stages is an act of clarity, dignity and love. With compassion and expertise, Orange Valley walks beside you at every step of the way, helping you express your wishes, prepare your family and access the resources you need. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your loved ones.