7 tips for strengthening your Advance Care Directive

What can be done to bolster your Advance Care Directive to ensure your treatment preferences are shared when it matters most?

1. It starts with what's important to you

Advance care planning starts with knowing yourself and what’s most important to you. Think about what a good day looks like to you – whether it’s being physically active, socialising with friends and family, or travelling, these activities are a great starting point for expressing your values and making clear what makes life worth living for you.

2. Speak up

Completing the Advance Care Directive forms from Advance Care Planning Australia's website is a great step in securing your future health care, however there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned conversations. Be clear with your family and loved ones about your choices and help them understand the choices you’ve made. If they ever need to advocate on your behalf or make decisions for you, it will be easier for them to work with your treating team and communicate your preferences. You should always start with a good chat before trying to complete any forms.

3. Use the right forms

Use the official, legislated form for your Advance Care Directive. These forms capture the required information to guide your family and treatment team in decision-making, should you ever be unable to make or communicate your decisions. Remember, advance care planning requirements differ across Australia, be sure to use the relevant forms for your state or territory.

4. Be clear about your values

While forms for Advance Care Directives differ across Australia, most provide an opportunity to complete both values and instructional directives. The values directive helps others understand what is most important to you and what outcomes you would find unacceptable (e.g. being unable to speak or live independently).

The instructional directive specifies which medical treatments you would consent to, refuse or withdraw from (e.g. tube feeding or CPR) It can be challenging for individuals to fully understand the benefits and burdens of different treatments. You may prefer to complete this with the support of your GP or treating team.

5. Make it valid

An Advance Care Directive might not be followed because of the quality of the document. In some cases, the written instructions are unclear, inconsistent, or not an accurate reflection of a person’s preferences. In other cases, it might not contain adequate identification such as your date of birth, signature, date, and/or witness’ signature.

6. Keep it up to date

Life changes and so do you. It’s important to review your Advance Care Directive every year or so. Major life events such as retirement, divorce, the onset of a significant illness or a change in your prognosis are good opportunities to dust off your plan and review it with fresh eyes.

7. Make it accessible

Your Advance Care Directive is of little use to anyone if the only copy is locked away in your solicitor’s office. Given that most advance care directives are needed in an emergency or crisis, we recommend you make your wishes known by uploading your advance care planning documents to My Health Record. This will ensure the documents can be accessed when they’re needed most. See the instructional video. We also advise keeping your Advance Care Directive readily available at home, and be sure to give copies to your GP, loved ones and local hospital.