What Is An Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is a document that allows you to record your wishes about future health care, medical treatment and personal care if there comes a time when you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself.
Many people think advance care planning is only relevant for older Australians. In reality, unexpected illness, injury or medical emergencies can happen at any age.
An Advance Care Directive can help ensure your wishes are known and considered if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Why Is An Advance Care Directive Important?
Most people have opinions about their health care, treatment options and quality of life.
The problem is that family members, doctors and health professionals may not know what those wishes are unless they have been discussed or documented.
An Advance Care Directive helps provide guidance about your preferences and can reduce uncertainty during difficult situations.
A Simple Example
Imagine your mother suffers a severe stroke and is unable to communicate.
Doctors need to make decisions about treatment options. Family members are worried and unsure what she would have wanted.
One child believes she would want every possible treatment. Another believes she would prefer comfort-focused care.
Without clear instructions, these situations can become stressful and emotionally difficult for everyone involved.
An Advance Care Directive can help provide guidance about a person’s wishes and preferences.
What Can An Advance Care Directive Cover?
The rules differ across Australian states and territories, but Advance Care Directives may include information about:
- Future medical treatment preferences
- Personal values and goals
- Health care wishes
- Quality of life considerations
- People who should be involved in decision-making
The exact options available depend on the laws and forms used in your location.
How Is It Different From An EPOA?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is commonly used for financial and legal matters.
An Advance Care Directive focuses on health care, medical treatment and personal care preferences.
While the two documents can work together, they generally serve different purposes.
How Is It Different From Enduring Guardianship?
Enduring Guardianship is generally used to appoint someone to make certain personal, health or lifestyle decisions if you cannot make those decisions yourself.
An Advance Care Directive focuses on recording your own wishes and preferences.
Depending on your state or territory, both documents may play an important role in future planning.
When Should You Create An Advance Care Directive?
Many people assume these documents are only needed later in life.
However, advance care planning is often easier when a person is healthy, has decision-making capacity and has time to discuss their wishes with family members.
Having conversations early can help reduce confusion during future health events.
Do The Rules Differ Across Australia?
Yes.
Advance Care Directive laws, forms and terminology vary between Australian states and territories.
Different locations may use different documents and legal arrangements.
It is important to check the requirements that apply in your state or territory and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is a document that records a person’s wishes about future health care, medical treatment and personal care.
Who should have an Advance Care Directive?
Many adults can benefit from advance care planning, particularly those with ongoing health conditions, complex medical needs or future planning goals.
Can family members override an Advance Care Directive?
The answer depends on the circumstances, the document itself and the laws that apply in your location.
Is an Advance Care Directive the same as an EPOA?
No. An EPOA generally deals with financial and legal matters, while an Advance Care Directive focuses on health care and treatment preferences.
Can I change my Advance Care Directive?
In many circumstances, yes. Requirements vary depending on your state or territory and personal situation.
Do all states use the same Advance Care Directive?
No. Different states and territories have different forms, requirements and terminology.
Sources and Additional Information
For official information and state-specific requirements, the following organisations may be helpful:
Related Resources
- What Is An Enduring Power Of Attorney?
- What Is Enduring Guardianship?
- Who Should You Appoint As Your Attorney?
- EPOA Readiness Checklist
- Free Aged Care Tools
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. Laws vary between Australian states and territories.