Do you have an Advance Care Directive?

It’s a question you should ask your family, friends and other loved ones, and a question your GP should ask you. While no one likes to talk about dying, it is something that can cause a lot of family tension and heartache already without adding in debate about what treatments are warranted.

The three things you need to consider are Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Guardianship and an Advanced Care Directive.

Power of Attorney

Gives the entrusted person control over your financial matters should you lack capacity to do so yourself. They can control bank accounts, liquidate property and similar to keep your finances in order if something were to happen. Many people mistakenly believe that this gives power over medical decisions too, but it does not. For that you need guardianship.

Enduring Power of Guardianship

Is the medical version of an Enduring Power of Attorney, and is referred to differently in different countries and jurisdictions, hence the common confusion. Without this, no one person really has more of a say over your medical treatment than any other. In some ways it is more important than attorney as many family feuds can result from arguments around treatment.

Advance Care Directive

Finally, an Advance Care Directive sets out your wishes in various medical circumstances and is as important as Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship. It is a good way to start discussion with family and loved ones about your wishes in the first place, but also enshrines them in a document, a copy of which is normally held by your GP, hospitals and at home.

There are guides available online to start off your care directive which can explain the basics. The next step is having a conversation with family; and then see your GP who can help you fill out the form and explain some common scenarios which may not always be considered. Finally, it is best to discuss the completed document again with your family so that everyone is on the same page.

This article has been written by Dr Jon Mortimer