5 Easy Ways to Understand Living Wills

5 EASY WAYS TO UNDERSTAND LIVING WILLS

When it comes to medical treatment decisions, everyone has the right to make their choices. But what happens when you can't make those decisions yourself? As you embark on estate planning and crafting your Last Will & Testament, it's crucial to consider a Living Will. Also known as an Advance Care Directive, health direction, or similar, this legal document ensures your needs, values, and preferences for future care take precedence.

Key Points on Living Wills:

1. What is a Living Will?
- Formalised version of an advance care plan.
- Outlines preferences for future care, including beliefs, values, and goals.
- Allows formal appointment of a substitute decision-maker.
2. Why is a Living Will Important?
- Integral part of end-of-life care planning.
- Provides assurance that your wishes are upheld.
- Legally binding instructions for future medical treatment.
3. How Do You Make a Living Will?
- Appoint a substitute decision-maker.
- Specify important values, preferred outcomes, and desired treatments.
- Ensure the document is signed and dated, with copies distributed to relevant parties.
4. Advance Care Directive Downloadable Forms:
- South Australia: Advance Care Directive Form (SA)
- Victoria: Appointment of Medical Decision Maker
- New South Wales: Making an Advance Care Directive (NSW)
- Queensland: Advance Health Directive (QLD)
- Western Australia: Advance Health Directive (WA)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Health Direction form (ACT)
- Tasmania: Advance Care Directive (TAS)
- Northern Territory (NT): Advance Personal Plan (NT)
5. Final Thoughts on Living Wills:
- Keep documents up-to-date and safely stored.
- Share copies with appointed decision-makers, family, or a trusted professional.