Advance Directive

An advance directive — sometimes called a living will or advance decision — is a legal document that allows a person to state their preferences about medical treatment in advance, in case they become unable to make or communicate those decisions in the future. For people living with dementia, an advance directive ensures that their wishes are known and respected, even when they can no longer express them.

An advance directive can cover a wide range of decisions, including whether the person would want to receive certain types of medical treatment, preferences about resuscitation, wishes about artificial nutrition and hydration, and any treatments they specifically do or do not want. It only comes into effect when the person lacks the capacity to make the specific decision in question.

Creating an advance directive is a deeply personal process that ideally involves conversations between the person, their family, and their healthcare team. It is an opportunity for the person to think about what matters most to them — their values, beliefs, fears, and priorities — and to ensure those are documented and accessible.

For families, having an advance directive in place can provide tremendous relief during difficult moments. When a medical decision needs to be made, knowing what your loved one would have wanted reduces the burden of uncertainty and potential family disagreements. It also helps healthcare professionals provide care that is truly aligned with the person's wishes.

An advance directive should be written while the person has full mental capacity to make informed decisions. If you or your loved one would like to create one, speak with a healthcare professional or solicitor. Many organisations also provide template forms and guidance. It is a good idea to review and update an advance directive periodically, and to ensure copies are held by the person's GP, family members, and any appointed attorneys.