Advance Decision

Previously known as a Living Will, an Advance Decision allows you to record any future treatments that you don’t want to have in the event you later become unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself.

ADVANCE DECISIONS ARE LEGALLY BINDING IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Your Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment must meet certain criteria and is only used if you can’t make or communicate a decision for yourself.

Some of the treatments you can refuse in an Advance Decision

You can use an Advance Decision (Living Will) to refuse any medical treatment including life-sustaining treatment, such as:

  • Antibiotics for a life-endangering infection

  • The administration of fluids through a drip, a nasal tube or directly into the stomach

  • Being put on a ventilator in the event of an inability to breathe on your own

  • CPR should your heart stop

What you cannot use an Advance Decision for

Following are just some examples of what you cannot use an Advance Decision for.

  • Assisted suicide

  • Demand a particular treatment

  • Refuse basic care surrounding hygiene, cleanliness, comfort and sustenance by mouth

  • Choose someone else to decide about treatment on your behalf – this is organised in a Lasting Power of Attorney

IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU, YOUR GP AND ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE KNOW THAT YOU’VE MADE AN ADVANCE DECISION

Ask your GP to keep a copy of your Advance Decision with your medical records.
Give a copy of your Advance Decision to anyone else who is regularly involved in your care; such as your consultant, carer or district nurse as well as your next of kin/emergency contact.

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    WillsLasting Powers of AttorneyInformation for CarersEmergency Wills