Getting Started
Q: How long does it take to complete the Care Compass?
A: About 15–20 minutes. You can save your progress and come back to finish it later if needed.
Q: Do I need to complete it all in one go?
A: No. You can save your progress and return anytime. Your answers are saved automatically as you go.
Q: Can I complete this for someone else?
A: Yes. The Care Compass is designed for family caregivers to work through on behalf of someone they're caring for. You'll create a draft, then review it together before they sign.
About the Care Compass
Q: Is the Care Compass a legal document?
A: No. It's a values-based guide that helps families and healthcare providers understand care wishes and have important conversations. However, it can support legal documents like an Advance Care Directive if you have one or want to create one.
Q: What's the difference between a Care Compass and an Advance Care Directive?
A: An Advance Care Directive is a legal document with specific medical instructions. The Care Compass uses simple, everyday language to capture values and care priorities. It's easier to complete and update, and both can work together.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to complete this?
A: No. The Care Compass uses plain language and can be completed without any legal help.
Making Changes
Q: Can I change my Care Compass after it's completed?
A: Yes. You can update it anytime. Life changes, and your wishes might too. Simply log in and make updates whenever needed.
Q: What if the person I'm caring for disagrees with what I've written?
A: That's exactly why you review it together. The draft you create is just a starting point for conversation. You'll make changes together until it truly reflects their wishes. They must sign it before it can be shared.
Caring for Someone with Dementia
Q: Can I create a Care Compass for someone with dementia?
A: Yes. If the person can still communicate their values and preferences, involve them in the conversation as much as possible. If dementia is more advanced, you can complete it based on what you know about their values, past conversations, and what matters most to them.
Q: What if they can't sign the Care Compass themselves?
A: If someone lacks the capacity to sign, their legal decision-maker (such as someone with Enduring Guardianship or Power of Attorney) can complete and attest to the Care Compass on their behalf. The Care Compass will note who completed it and their relationship to the person.
Q: Should I complete a Care Compass early if someone has just been diagnosed with dementia?
A: Yes. Completing it early, while they can still express their wishes clearly, is ideal. This ensures their voice is captured and their values guide future care decisions as the condition progresses.
Q: What if I'm not sure what they would have wanted?
A: Think about past conversations, their values, and what's been important to them throughout their life. Our Guided Support Program can help you work through this—speak with a trained Violet Guide who can help you reflect on these questions.
Sharing & Access
Q: Who can see my Care Compass?
A: Only people you choose to share it with. You control who has access—family members, doctors, aged care providers, or anyone else you trust.
Q: How do I share it with my family?
A: You can invite family members by email or phone number. Once they sign up, they can access the Care Compass directly and add it to their own digital wallet.
Q: Will hospitals and doctors accept this?
A: Yes. Healthcare providers across Australia recognise the Care Compass as a valuable guide to understanding patient values and care priorities. While it's not legally binding, it shows that important conversations have happened and helps guide care decisions.
Getting Extra Help
Q: What if I need help completing the Care Compass?
A: We offer a Guided Support Program where you can work one-on-one with a trained Violet Guide. They'll help you through personalised conversations about values and care preferences, making the process easier and more meaningful. Learn more about Guided Support.
Q: How do I access the Guided Support Program?
A: The Guided Support Program is funded through the Australian Government's Carer Gateway and is free for eligible family carers. Contact us at info@violet.org.au or visit the Carer Gateway website to check your eligibility and get started.
Q: Is there support available if I'm struggling with these conversations?
A: Yes. Our Guided Support Program provides emotional support alongside practical help. Violet Guides are trained to help you navigate difficult conversations and the feelings that come up during end-of-life planning.
Privacy & Security
Q: Is the Care Compass free to use?
A: Yes. The Care Compass is completely free to create, update, and share. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Q: Is my information secure?
A: Yes. Your Care Compass is stored securely using encryption. We follow strict Australian privacy laws to protect your personal information. Read our Privacy Policy.
Q: Who can access my personal information?
A: Only you control who sees your Care Compass. Violet staff cannot access your information unless you specifically request support. We never share your data with third parties.
Taking Action with Your Care Compass
Q: Should I share my Care Compass with my doctor?
A: Yes. We strongly recommend sharing your completed Care Compass with your GP, healthcare team, or aged care provider. Use it as a starting point to discuss care wishes and preferences in more detail. This helps ensure your medical team understands what matters most and can plan accordingly.
Q: How do I make my Care Compass legally binding?
A: The Care Compass itself is not a legal document, but you can make your wishes legally binding by incorporating them into an Enduring Guardianship (also called Enduring Power of Attorney for health decisions in some states) or using the Care Compass to inform an Advance Care Directive. Speak with your GP or a lawyer about the best legal documents for your situation.
Advance Care Planning Resources by State
National
Advance Care Planning Australia
Website: www.advancecareplanning.org.au
Phone: 1300 208 582
Email: acp@austin.org.au
National resource providing information and support for advance care planning
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT Health—Advance Care Planning
Website: Canberra Health Services
Phone: (02) 5124 9274
New South Wales (NSW)
Advance Care Planning NSW
Website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/acp
Phone: 1800 200 422
Northern Territory (NT)
Advance Personal Planning NT
Website: www.advancepersonalplan.nt.gov.au
Phone: 1800 711 226
Queensland (QLD)
Advance Care Planning Australia (Queensland)
Website: www.advancecareplanning.org.au/queensland
Phone: 1300 208 582
South Australia (SA)
Advance Care Directives SA
Website: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/advancecaredirectives
Phone: 1300 138 251
Tasmania (TAS)
Advance Care Planning Tasmania
Website: www.health.tas.gov.au/advance-care-planning
Phone: 1800 756 191
Victoria (VIC)
Advance Care Planning Victoria
Website: www.advancecareplanning.org.au/victoria
Phone: 1300 208 582
Western Australia (WA)
Advance Care Planning WA
Website: www.health.wa.gov.au/advance-care-planning
Phone: (08) 9222 4222
Note: Each state and territory has different legislation and forms for advance care planning. Contact your local service for state-specific information and the correct forms for your location.
Getting Care Support
Q: I need help accessing aged care services. How can you help me?
A: While Violet doesn't provide aged care services directly, we can help you understand how to access them.
Aged care in Australia includes:
- Home care packages: support to help you stay at home longer
- Residential aged care: moving into an aged care facility
- Respite care: short-term care to give family carers a break
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme: entry-level support at home
- Support at Home Program (launching 2025): new integrated home care system
How to access aged care:
- Get an aged care assessment—contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
- The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will assess your needs and determine eligibility
- Receive your approval and start accessing services
Aged Care Support Services by State
National
My Aged Care: www.myagedcare.gov.au | Phone: 1800 200 422
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): www.opan.org.au | Phone: 1800 237 981
Australian Capital Territory
COTA ACT: www.cota-act.org.au | Phone: (02) 6282 3777
New South Wales
Aged & Community Services Australia (NSW): www.acsa.asn.au | Phone: (02) 6230 1676
COTA NSW: www.cotansw.com.au | Phone: (02) 9286 3860
Northern Territory
COTA NT: www.cotant.org.au | Phone: (08) 8941 1004
Queensland
Aged & Community Services Queensland: www.acsqld.asn.au | Phone: (07) 3252 9991
COTA Queensland: www.cotaqld.org.au | Phone: (07) 3316 2999
South Australia
COTA SA: www.cotasa.org.au | Phone: (08) 8232 0422
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) SA: www.lasa.asn.au | Phone: (08) 8223 7575
Tasmania
COTA Tasmania: www.cotatas.org.au | Phone: (03) 6231 3265
Victoria
COTA Victoria: www.cotavic.org.au | Phone: (03) 9654 4443
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) VIC: www.lasa.asn.au | Phone: (03) 6165 7427
Western Australia
COTA WA: www.cotawa.org.au | Phone: (08) 9472 0104
Your Care Compass can be shared with aged care providers to help them understand care wishes and priorities from day one, making it easier to provide person-centred care that aligns with what matters most.
Q: I need help accessing palliative care. How can you help me?
A: While Violet doesn't provide palliative care directly, we can help you understand how to access it.
Palliative care in Australia is provided through:
- Your GP: they can refer you to palliative care services
- Hospitals: most public hospitals have palliative care teams
- Community palliative care services: provide care at home
- Aged care facilities: many have palliative care support
- Hospices: specialist inpatient palliative care
Palliative care is free through the public health system if you have a Medicare card. You can be referred by your GP, specialist, or hospital doctor.
Palliative Care Services by State
National
Palliative Care Australia: www.palliativecare.org.au | Phone: (02) 6232 4433
Australian Capital Territory
Palliative Care ACT: www.pallcareact.org.au | Phone: (02) 6175 7400
New South Wales
Palliative Care NSW: www.palliativecarensw.org.au | Phone: (02) 9559 7955
Northern Territory
NT Health Palliative Care: www.health.nt.gov.au | Phone: 1800 022 222
Queensland
Palliative Care Queensland: www.palliativecareqld.org.au | Phone: (07) 3842 3082
South Australia
Palliative Care SA: www.pallcare.asn.au | Phone: (08) 8125 4400
Tasmania
Palliative Care Tasmania: www.pallcaretas.org.au | Phone: (03) 6231 2211
Victoria
Palliative Care Victoria: www.pallcarevic.asn.au | Phone: (03) 9662 9644
Western Australia
Palliative Care WA: www.palliativecarewa.asn.au | Phone: (08) 9328 0400
Your Care Compass can help your palliative care team understand your wishes and priorities, making it easier to provide care that aligns with what matters most to you.
Other Practical Questions
Q: What if I'm not sure which care priority statement to choose?
A: That's okay. Read through each option carefully and think about what feels most important. You can also choose "Trust in my decision-maker and care team" if you prefer others to guide these choices. Remember, you can change it anytime.
Q: Can I create Care Compasses for multiple people?
A: Yes. You can create and manage Care Compasses for multiple family members from the same account.
Q: What if family members disagree about care priorities?
A: The Care Compass should reflect the wishes of the person it's for, not what family members want. Our Guided Support Program can help facilitate these conversations if there's family conflict.
Q: Do I need to update it regularly?
A: Review it whenever there are significant changes in health, living situation, or personal values. Many people review it annually or after major health events.
Q: What if the person I'm caring for lives interstate or overseas?
A: The Care Compass works anywhere. You can complete it together over video call, and they can sign electronically from their location. Once signed, it can be shared with healthcare providers wherever they receive care.
Q: Can healthcare providers make notes or updates to my Care Compass?
A: No. Only you (or the person the Care Compass is for) can make changes. Healthcare providers can view it and use it to guide care, but they cannot edit it. This ensures your wishes remain exactly as you've stated them.