They might sometimes be difficult conversations but they are conversations that count says future care planning advocate Anna Thurnell.

Future care planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and sharing thoughts and wishes for future and end-of-life healthcare.

Anna Thurnell is encouraging people to have a 'conversation that counts”.

What would you like to happen in the event of an accident or critical life situation? You should not leave loved ones to make those decisions says Anna, the Bay of Plenty District Health Board's (BOPDHB)Planning and Funding Health of Older People Portfolio Manager.

'Future Care Planning conversations are important for all of us, not just people nearing the end of life. Thinking about and sharing what is important to you is important at any time in a person's adult life, even for younger people.”

Thursday was Conversations that Count Day – a day aimed to prompt people to talk with their ‘partner, a mate, with the girls over lunch, or around the barbie' about the kind of care they would want if they were seriously ill or at the end of their life.

'Healthcare professionals are in a much better position to work with people and reach the outcomes they want if everyone is aware of what their wishes are and what is important to them,” says Anna.

'It's also very useful for friends and family to understand what is important to their loved one in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation.”

For more information visit www.conversationsthatcount.org.nz