It can be very difficult to consider and discuss your wishes on how you might want to be cared for in the future. What can make the topic even more complex and sensitive are the different types of treatment or medication you might wish to have (or to reject) when the time comes.
When you are nearing the end of your life, allowing those you care about the opportunity to know your wishes will give you and your loved ones peace of mind that your wishes are being carried out, even if you are unable to communicate them at the time.
Now more than ever with the COVID-19 pandemic, documents such as an Advance Decision (sometimes known as an Advance Decision To Refuse Treatment, an ADRT, or a Living Will) are becoming increasingly important and more at the forefront of people’s minds.
Here we talk a bit more about an Advance Decision, and why it might be important to consider one.
An Advance Decision is a legally binding document that records your wishes on the types of treatment you may or may not want to receive in certain circumstances.
This gives those who are caring for you a clearer idea of your priorities and preferences, taking away some of the more difficult decisions they might face, such as DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) should you become mentally or physically unable to make a decision.
Examples of the type of decisions that can be made could be:
An Advance Decision can be as general or as specific as you wish. You can also express whether you would like a loved one to be allowed to take part in decisions when it comes to your medical treatment.
Anyone over the age of 18 can make an Advance Decision. Most will consider one though if they are at risk of losing mental capacity, for example through a prolonged illness, or are more vulnerable to becoming ill in future.
Before creating one, you might want to speak to your doctor about some of the treatment you might be offered in the future, and what this could mean for you if you decide not to go ahead with it.
Talking to friends and family about your wishes can also help you to make your decisions, and of course, at Fodens, we are always here to offer any advice we can.
An Advance Decision can always be changed at any time should you wish to alter your wishes or your circumstances have changed.
Here at Fodens, we can help draft your Advance Decision and offer bespoke advice tailored to your circumstances, always keeping your best interests in mind.
Through our team of experts, we can help you make the right decisions, giving you peace of mind for the future and making sure your wishes are understood and respected.
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