Think Ahead Planning Pack: What’s Changed
"Over my four years at Irish Hospice Foundation, I have seen lots of changes to advance care planning in Ireland –and of course to our Think Ahead Planning Packs. We redesigned the packs to make them easier to read and use".
Think Ahead Planning Pack: Understanding Recent Updates
Recent changes in Irish law have led to important updates to the Think Ahead Planning Pack, ensuring it continues to support people in planning for future care in a clear and practical way.
At Irish Hospice Foundation, we know that planning ahead can feel complex. That’s why we are committed to making this process as straightforward and accessible as possible, while ensuring that the information we provide reflects the most up-to-date legal and practical guidance.
Supporting You Under New Legislation.
Ireland’s Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act marks a significant step forward in how people can plan for their future care and decisions. The Act strengthens individuals’ rights to make their own choices and ensures that those choices are recognised and respected.
In response, we have updated the Think Ahead Planning Pack and offer supports available to the public. Our dedicated Information & Support Line (1800 60 70 66, open Monday to Friday, 9am–1pm) and email service at [email protected] are available to answer questions and guide people through advance care planning.
What Has Changed in Think Ahead?
The latest version of the Think Ahead Planning Pack (updated in October) reflects two key developments:
1. Organ and Body Donation: Following changes to legislation in 2025, we have updated the information on organ donation within the pack. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance and ensure that individuals can make informed decisions.
We have also updated our guidance on body donation. Previously, it was widely understood that a person needed to die in a hospital in order to donate their body. This is no longer the case, and the revised information reflects the current process more accurately.
2. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act has also introduced a new system for creating an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), alongside the full legal recognition of Advance Healthcare Directives in 2023.
We have carefully reviewed these changes and updated Think Ahead to help people understand how to record and share their wishes under the new system. The aim is to make it easier for individuals to plan ahead with confidence and clarity.
If You Already Have a Think Ahead Pack
If you already have an earlier version of the Think Ahead Planning Pack, there is no need to start again.
You can simply download the updated pages and add them to your existing pack. These updates are designed to fit alongside your current documents, making it easy to keep your information accurate and up to date.
Importantly, none of the changes affect any decisions you have already made in your Advance Healthcare Directive. The updates relate only to how information is recorded and shared under the new legal framework.
We’re Here to Help
We understand that changes to laws and systems can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and supported at every step.
If you have any questions about the changes, or about advance care planning more generally, we encourage you to contact our Information & Support Line (1800 60 70 66, open from 9am – 1pm, Monday to Friday) or email us at [email protected]. Our team is here to provide clear, practical guidance.
We will continue to monitor any future developments and update Think Ahead as needed, ensuring that you and your supporters have access to accurate, up-to-date information.
