Can You Change An Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is meant to reflect your wishes about future health care.
But life changes.
Your health may change. Your family situation may change. Your views about treatment may also change over time.
So it is normal for families to ask: can you change an Advance Care Directive?
In most cases, yes. If you still have decision-making capacity, you can usually update, replace or cancel your Advance Care Directive. The exact process can vary depending on your state or territory.
This article explains when an Advance Care Directive can be changed, why someone might update it, and what families should know about keeping the right version available.
What Is An Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive is a document that records your wishes for future health care.
It is usually used if you become too unwell to speak for yourself or make medical decisions.
It may include your values, your care preferences, and the types of medical treatment you would or would not want in certain situations.
The purpose is simple.
It helps doctors, family members and substitute decision-makers understand what matters to you.
Can You Change An Advance Care Directive?
Yes, an Advance Care Directive can usually be changed while you still have decision-making capacity.
Capacity means you can understand the decision, understand the possible consequences, and communicate your choice.
If you have capacity, you may be able to make a new Advance Care Directive, cancel the old one, update your preferences, or replace old copies with the new version.
The rules are not identical across Australia.
Some states may require a formal revocation form. Others may allow cancellation in writing. Some may require a new directive to replace the old one.
That is why it is important to check the rules in your state or territory before making changes.
Why Someone Might Change Their Advance Care Directive
Your Health Has Changed
A new diagnosis, hospital stay or serious illness may change how you feel about future treatment.
Your Treatment Preferences Have Changed
Some people change their views about medical treatment as they age.
What felt right at 65 may not feel right at 80.
Your Family Situation Has Changed
Family relationships can change over time.
A person may separate from a partner, lose a close family member, reconnect with adult children, or move closer to relatives.
Your Substitute Decision-Maker Has Changed
If the person you trusted to speak for you is no longer suitable, available or willing, your documents may need to be reviewed.
Can You Cancel An Advance Care Directive?
In many cases, yes.
If you still have capacity, you can usually cancel or revoke your Advance Care Directive.
The process depends on where you live.
The safest approach is to check the official rules for your state or territory and make sure the cancellation is clear.
What Happens To The Old Version?
If you change your Advance Care Directive, the old version should not keep circulating.
Old copies can cause confusion during a medical emergency.
When a directive is changed, the updated version should be given to the right people.
Anyone holding an old copy should be told that it has been replaced.
Who Should Know About The Change?
If you update your Advance Care Directive, it is usually wise to tell the people most likely to be involved in your care.
- Your spouse or partner
- Adult children
- Close family members
- Your substitute decision-maker
- Your GP
- Your specialist doctors
- Your hospital care team
- Your aged care provider
When Should You Review An Advance Care Directive?
An Advance Care Directive should not be created and forgotten.
It should be reviewed from time to time to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
A review may be helpful after a major illness, hospital stay, new diagnosis, family change, or move into aged care.
You do not need to change the document every time you review it.
Sometimes the review simply confirms that your wishes are still the same.
Can Family Change Your Advance Care Directive?
Generally, no.
Family members cannot simply change your Advance Care Directive because they disagree with it.
The directive is meant to reflect your wishes.
If you still have capacity, the decision to change it is yours.
Real-Life Example
Margaret made an Advance Care Directive when she was 70.
At the time, she was healthy and independent. Her instructions were simple and general.
Eight years later, Margaret had a serious heart condition.
She spoke with her daughter, her GP and her specialist.
She realised her old directive did not clearly explain what mattered most to her now.
She created a new version, gave copies to the right people, and made sure her family knew the old one had been replaced.
This gave her family much clearer guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Advance Care Directive at any time?
Usually, yes, if you still have decision-making capacity. The process may depend on your state or territory.
Do I need to make a completely new Advance Care Directive?
Sometimes yes. In some places, making a new directive is the safest way to replace the old one.
Can I cancel my Advance Care Directive?
In many cases, yes. If you have capacity, you can usually cancel or revoke it.
Who should receive the updated version?
The people most likely to be involved in your care should know about the current version.
What if my family disagrees with the change?
If you have capacity, the directive reflects your wishes. Family members generally cannot change it simply because they disagree.
Should I review my Advance Care Directive regularly?
Yes. It is sensible to review it after major health, family or care changes.
Sources
- Australian Government Department of Health — Advance Care Directive
- Advance Care Planning Australia
- NSW Health — Making an Advance Care Directive
- Legal Aid NSW — Speaking for Myself
- Office of the Public Advocate Victoria — Making an Advance Care Directive
- Queensland Government — Advance Health Directive
Related Resources
- What Is An Advance Care Directive?
- Advance Care Directive vs Enduring Guardianship
- Advance Care Directive vs EPOA
- When Should You Create An Advance Care Directive?
- Can Family Override An Advance Care Directive?
- What Happens If There Is No Advance Care Directive?
- Talking To Family About Future Care Decisions
- Hospital And Advance Care Directives
- Estate Planning Pillar
- Free Aged Care Tools
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only. It is not legal, medical or financial advice. Advance Care Directive laws and processes vary across Australian states and territories. Always check the rules in your location and seek professional advice for your personal situation.