Thinking ahead about health care decisions can be difficult, but it is one of the most important steps people can take, even when they are not facing a life-limiting illness. Advance care planning ensures that your wishes are known and recognised if there comes a time when you are unable to communicate them for yourself. In Queensland, this process includes completing legal documents, such as an Advance Health Directive (AHD) or appointing a decision-maker as an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA).
PalAssist can help provide information and guidance to help Queenslanders navigate their advance care planning. Connect with us online or call 1800 772 273.
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning is about communicating your values, beliefs and preferences surroundingpersonal, health and financial matters, should there be a need to refer to them in future. It helps guide doctors, family and loved ones when complex decisions need to be made and you cannot communicate them yourself, for any reason. The process may include:
- Talking with your family and health professionals about your wishes
- Writing down specific preferences for medical treatment
- Appointing someone you trust to make personal and/or financial decisions on your behalf
- Ensuring documents are available to those that may need access to them
Starting these important conversations early helps to reduce uncertainty and worry later.
Advance Health Directive in Queensland
An Advance Health Directive (AHD) is a legal document that allows you to record your health care preferences. You can also use this form to appoint a person to make decisions for you (an attorney) if you wish. An AHD is only referred to, by the medical team looking after you or your loved ones, in the event you became unable to communicate (such as speak, write, or similar) with them for yourself. An example of this is if you were in a coma.
The form is a record of your preferences for medical treatment and can be general or specific in nature.
General guidance may be a statement of what you do or do not want to have done or experience, such as “I do not want to be in pain at the end of my life.” More specific direction may include whether you would want life-prolonging treatments or certain interventions, such asintravenous antibiotics, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),ventilation (assisted breathing by a machine) or artificial feeding (such as a tube into the stomach or intravenous drip).
The AHD form must be completed in consultation with a doctor, who will certify that you understand the decisions, and the related risks, as you are making them.
Once completed, your original AHD should be stored in a safe place. Tell your close friends and family where it is, so they can access it if needed. A certified copy should be given to your attorney (if appointed), medical team (GP, specialist), and solicitor. You may choose to upload it into My Health Record or send a copy to the Queensland Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning (refer Making an advance care plan- Step 3), so it can be accessed, such as by a hospital doctor, if needed urgently.
Your AHD should ideally be reviewed at least every two years, or if you have a major change to your health. An AHD may only be completed or amended by an adult who has capacity. For more information, and to find the forms, see the Queensland Government’s Advance care planning website.
Enduring Power of Attorney
In addition to documenting your health and medical preferences in an AHD, you can appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA) for personal or financial matters. Personal matters may include decisions about health care, lifestyle supports, where you live or legal issues. Financial matters may include expenses, property, or business decisions. You can record which decisions may be made, and when and how they can make them. You can choose different attorneys for personal or financial decisions, or the same person for both.
It is important that you decide on someone that you trust to make any decisions on your behalf. Your attorney should be someone who you have discussed your views with, understands your values and will act in your best interests.
You should review your EPoA if your personal circumstances change. For more information, and to find the forms, see the Queensland Government’s Advance care planning website.
Talking with your family
Advance care planning is not only about forms. Open, honest conversations with loved ones are important. Talking about what quality of life means to you, and what treatments you would or would not want, helps avoid confusion or difference of opinion later. These discussions can be difficult and emotional, but many families find relief in knowing that wishes are clearly understood ahead of time.
If you need help starting these conversations, PalAssist can provide advice and connect you with organisations experienced in advance care planning.
Why it matters
Advance care planning provides peace of mind- both for you and your loved ones. It ensures your voice is heard, when you cannot speak for yourself, and that your care preferences and life decisions are respected. It also reduces the burden on your family and helps doctors make decisions that reflect your wishes. Families who plan early often report feeling less anxious and more prepared as a loved one’s health needs change.
Taking the next step
If you have not yet started advance care planning, the best time is right now. Begin by talking with your GP, and explore the Queensland Government’s Advance care planning website. PalAssist is also available by phone or online to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Advance care planning is a gift of clarity for both you and your loved ones. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your wishes are known and recognised, giving everyone greater confidence and comfort for the future.
