An Advance Health Directive is one of the aged care planning measures I recommend as part of aged care planning. It is a legal document specifying an individual’s health preferences in the event they lose capacity to make decisions for themselves. It helps to ensure healthcare wishes are respected and reducing stress for loved ones.

Here, I’ll answer what it is, why it is important, and how to obtain and complete an advance health directive​.

 

Quick Summary

  • An advance health directive is a legal document that details an individual’s health preferences if they are unable to speak for themselves
  • This legal document is filled out by a competent person and specifies future health and medical decisions in the event they no longer have capacity
  • Advance health directives play a crucial role in aged care, serious illnesses, and end-of-life decisions
  • Completing an advance health directive involves obtaining the proper form for your state or territory
  • Filling out an advance health directive is one of the best ways to preserve your autonomy and gain peace of mind for both you and your family

 

Understanding What an Advance Health Directive Means

An advance health directive is a legal document that specifies a person’s healthcare preferences if they cannot speak for themselves.

An advance health directive:

  • Contains important information about future medical and health preferences
  • It is voluntary
  • Must be completed by a competent adult with full legal capacity
  • Specifies treatment preferences under specific circumstances
  • Can pertain to medical, dental, life-sustaining measures, palliative care, and surgical treatment preferences
  • Gives an individual control and peace of mind over future health preferences
  • Only comes into effect if the individual is no longer capable of making or communicating decisions
  • The decisions, details, and preferences listed in it must be followed by health professionals
  • Details an individual’s preferred care and outcomes according to their values
  • Plays a crucial role in helping individuals maintain autonomy in the event of serious illness, aged care, or end-of-life decisions 

Learn more about What Is an Advance Health Directive here: Advanced Health Directives – WA Government

 

Why Having an Advance Health Directive Matters

Have you worried about what would happen if you or a loved one experiences a sudden accident? Or if cognitive decline impairs decision-making?

These worries can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. This is where an Advance Health Directive helps you reclaim your power.

An Advance Health Directive enables you to make clear legal arrangements for your future health care, end-of-life care, preferred living arrangements, and other personal matters.

Making detailed legal arrangements ahead of time regarding your health care, living arrangements, and end-of-life care helps maintain autonomy.

When I speak with clients, they often say that filling out an Advance Health Directive helped take some of the fear and uncertainty out of the ageing process.

Some of the main benefits of an Advance Health Directive include:

  • Reduce stress on you, your family, and your loved ones
  • Increase peace of mind
  • Feel more empowered and in control of your health and future
  • Ensure your future medical care aligns with your personal values and preferences
  • Legal certainty
  • Maintain autonomy and dignity
  • The ability to specify preferences for Residential Aged Care or Home Care

You May Also Like: Aged Care Power of Attorney Explained

 

How to Complete an Advance Health Directive

Here are 4 steps on how to complete an advance health directive​.

Step 1 – Understand your State or Territory’s Requirements

Checking with your local health department or Advance Care Planning Australia is a good way to get started. The resources available on the Advance Care Planning Australia website are detailed yet easy to follow. This is one of the top resources I recommend if you are ready to learn more or get started.

The details of an advance health directive vary across Australia. Each state and territory has its own advance health directive form and process.

You’ll need to determine the appropriate form for your area (WA, SA, NSW, VIC, QLD). I’ll cover more about “where can I get an advance health directive?” later in the blog.

Step 2 – Discuss Your Preferences

Once you determine the appropriate form for your state or territory, talk to your GP, family, and potential substitute decision-maker.

Discuss your healthcare preferences, including end-of-life decisions, home or residential aged care options, and other priorities. This information can be difficult to discuss, emotionally draining, and overwhelming. However, my clients often tell me how much of a relief it is to complete the form.

Step 3 – Complete the Form

Next, fill out the official form for your location. Once you are finished, double-check to ensure all information is current and correct. You will need to ensure it’s witnessed and signed correctly.

Step 4 – Share and Store it Safely

Lastly, give copies of your advance health directive to your doctor and substitute decision-maker. I also recommend uploading it to My Health Record. This ensures the form is easily accessible but also secure.

The Advanced Health Directive should be reviewed every 2-5 years or when there are any significant changes to the person’s health

 

Where Can I Get an Advance Health Directive?

Advance health directives forms are available through state/territory health websites, hospitals, or GP clinics.

See below for official government resources for advance health directives:

 

How Care Match Solutions Can Help with Advance Health Directives

An Advance Health Directive is one of the most important legal documents you can fill out to protect your values and health preferences. I recommend this proactive step as one of the best ways to preserve your peace of mind.

If you’re unsure how to start your advance health directive, we can guide you through each step with clarity and compassion.

Contact Care Match Solutions today for personalised support that makes the process simple and stress-free.