How Often Should You Review An Advance Care Directive?

Creating an Advance Care Directive is an important step in planning for the future.

But creating the document is not the end of the process.

Life changes.

Your health can change. Your family circumstances can change. Your views about medical treatment may also change over time.

That is why many Australians ask: how often should you review an Advance Care Directive?

The simple answer is that you should review it regularly and whenever a major life event occurs.

This article explains why reviews matter, when they should happen, and how regular reviews can help ensure your healthcare wishes continue to reflect what is important to you.

Why Reviewing An Advance Care Directive Matters

An Advance Care Directive is designed to communicate your healthcare wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Those wishes may remain unchanged for many years.

However, circumstances can evolve.

A directive written ten years ago may not reflect your current views, your current health situation, or the medical treatments available today.

Regular reviews help ensure the document still represents your wishes.

They can also reduce confusion for family members and healthcare professionals if important decisions need to be made.

Is There A Set Review Period?

There is no single rule that applies to every Australian.

Most experts recommend reviewing your Advance Care Directive every few years, even if nothing major has changed.

The review does not always mean changing the document.

Sometimes it simply confirms that your wishes remain exactly the same.

Think of it as a regular check-in rather than a complete rewrite.

Review Your Directive After Major Health Changes

One of the most important times to review your directive is after a significant health event.

This could include:

A serious illness
A major surgery
A cancer diagnosis
A stroke
A heart attack
A progressive medical condition
A lengthy hospital stay

Experiencing a major health event often changes how people think about future treatment.

It may also raise questions that were never considered when the directive was first written.

Review Your Directive After Family Changes

Family situations can change over time.

Relationships may strengthen.

Others may become more complicated.

A review may be sensible after:

Marriage
Separation
Divorce
The death of a spouse
The death of a child
Changes in family support arrangements
Moving closer to family members

These events may affect who is involved in your future care decisions and who should know about your directive.

Review Your Directive If Your Wishes Change

People often assume their views about healthcare will never change.

In reality, many people see things differently as they get older.

A treatment that seemed unacceptable years ago may feel reasonable today.

Likewise, a person may become more focused on comfort and quality of life as they age.

If your values or priorities change, your directive should be reviewed.

Review Your Directive If Your Decision-Maker Changes

Many people appoint someone to help make decisions if they lose capacity.

This person may be an enduring guardian, substitute decision-maker or another authorised representative depending on your state.

If that person is no longer available, willing or suitable, it may be time to review your planning documents.

You should also review the directive if your relationship with that person changes significantly.

Review Your Directive Before Entering Aged Care

Moving into aged care is a major life event.

Whether you are receiving home care or entering residential aged care, it can be a good opportunity to review your healthcare wishes.

Many people find that aged care planning encourages important conversations about future treatment, hospital care and quality of life.

A review can help ensure your directive reflects your current circumstances.

What Happens During A Review?

A review does not have to be complicated.

The goal is simply to ask:

“Does this document still reflect my wishes?”

If the answer is yes, you may not need to make any changes.

If the answer is no, you may need to update or replace the document according to the rules in your state or territory.

Some people also choose to discuss their wishes with family members, their GP or healthcare team during the review process.

Should You Tell Family About The Review?

Usually, yes.

Good communication can help prevent confusion later.

If your wishes have changed, it is often helpful for the people closest to you to understand those changes.

This does not mean everyone has to agree.

It simply means they are less likely to be surprised if important healthcare decisions arise in the future.

What If No Changes Are Needed?

That is completely normal.

Many reviews result in no changes at all.

In fact, confirming that your wishes remain the same can be just as valuable as making updates.

It provides reassurance that your planning remains current and relevant.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Never Reviewing The Document

One of the biggest mistakes is creating an Advance Care Directive and forgetting about it completely.

Assuming Family Knows Your Wishes

Even close family members may not fully understand your preferences unless you have discussed them.

Ignoring Major Life Events

Health issues, family changes and aged care transitions can all affect future care decisions.

Keeping Outdated Copies In Circulation

If you update your directive, make sure the right people receive the current version.

Leaving Everything Until A Crisis

Reviews are easier when they happen before urgent decisions need to be made.

Real-Life Example

Patricia completed an Advance Care Directive shortly after retiring.

At the time, she was healthy and active.

Several years later, she developed a chronic health condition and spent time in hospital.

During her recovery, she reviewed her directive with her GP and family.

She realised that some of her preferences had changed since she first completed the document.

After updating the directive, she shared the new version with her daughter and healthcare providers.

The review gave Patricia confidence that her future wishes were clearly documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I review my Advance Care Directive?

Many people review it every few years or after major health, family or care changes.

Do I need to change it every time I review it?

No. A review may simply confirm that your wishes remain the same.

Should I review it after a hospital stay?

Yes. A significant health event is often a good reason to revisit your future care preferences.

Should my GP be involved in the review?

Many people find it helpful to discuss their wishes with their GP, especially if their health has changed.

What if my family disagrees with my choices?

Your Advance Care Directive reflects your wishes. Reviewing it gives you an opportunity to explain those wishes clearly.

What if I need to update the document?

The process varies between states and territories. Check the rules that apply where you live.

Sources

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Disclaimer

This article provides general information only. It is not legal, medical or financial advice. Advance Care Directive laws and requirements vary across Australian states and territories. Always seek professional advice relevant to your personal circumstances.