END OF LIFE LAW: ADVANCE STATEMENTS
An advance statement is a written document that helps healthcare professionals understand your wishes, feelings, and beliefs when you are unable to make decisions yourself. Advance statements are not legally binding documents, but they should be taken into account by anyone making a decision on your behalf in the future.
Having an advance statement allows you to indicate a broad range of preferences that you’d like healthcare professionals to consider when making decisions about your care, such as: where you’d like to be cared for, any dietary requirements or likes/ dislikes, your religion or beliefs, and personal care information e.g. whether you prefer a shower or bath.
Making an Advance Statement is quick, easy, and free. There is more information here: https://bit.ly/3wOLsIc
HOW DO ADVANCE STATEMENTS WORK?
Advance statements are an informal way of leaving guidance about your wishes, feelings, and beliefs to anyone responsible for making a decision on your behalf. A healthcare professional does not have to follow an advance statement, but they will usually try to do so whenever possible. Anything written in an advance statement must be taken into account when a health professional makes a decision on your behalf.
There are no formal criteria for advance statements, but it is a good idea to write down your wishes and include your signature. It is also advisable to give a copy of your statement to a friend or family member, as well as someone involved in your care.
