Nobody likes to talk about their death or catastrophic events and upset themselves and their loved ones.
But let’s talk about facts: We can only predict the future if we are rich and knowledgeable!
Yet what we can do is plan or make clear future agreements that can ensure our wishes are carried out when we can no longer respond by ourselves.
This, in legal terms, is known as Advanced Care Directive!
In this comprehensive guide, let’s talk about how lawyers in Adelaide can help you make an ACD where you can’t express your preferences and which will set out your wishes in front of your family members and healthcare practitioners.
Let’s get started!
What is an Advanced Care Directive?
An Advanced Directive is a legal document that clearly states your wishes or decisions that you want to be carried out when you are not in a position to say it by yourself.
It allows you to prepare for various situations, such as anticipated decline in health, fatal diseases and end-of-life decisions.
Following your instructions, this document designates a Substitute Decision Maker who can make medical decisions on your behalf.
Thus, this legal form can record your wishes and instructions for the following:
- Future medical care
- Personal decisions
- Life-sustaining treatment
- Preferential residential and lodging arrangements
- End-of-life, comfort care, and palliative care
For example, if in future you are in a position in a hospital where you would need blood transfusions, but you don’t want to have them. Then, with the help of a solicitor in Adelaide, you can make an ACD that explicitly states your wishes regarding the same and any other medical interventions, if required.
Benefits of having an ACD
Although making an ACD is a logical decision, your loved ones may get upset over you for not trusting them and their decision regarding your health. However, it would help if you let them know the following benefits of why you are going to opt for this choice rather than freely handling the decision of your life and death.
Here are some benefits of Advanced Directive in Australia:
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Prepare for the unexpected:
Nobody can foresee the future. However, we know that everyone at any age can experience a medical emergency. A common misconception is that people can wait until they are closer to the end of their lives to draft an advance healthcare directive. It does not matter if you are 30 or 60; medical emergencies can happen at any age. Therefore, making an ACD guarantees you are ready for unforeseen medical circumstances.
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Relieves your family of burden:
Creating an advanced care directive can bring peace to your loved ones during challenging times. Caregiving is a tough task, and deciding on someone else’s life without knowing their wishes can be difficult and may cause disagreements within a family. Therefore, planning and communicating your decisions is essential to ensure that only the person you choose as a proxy can decide on your behalf.
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Doctors follow what you want:
Advanced healthcare directives assist your doctor to follow what you want. By creating an ACD, patients ensure that their healthcare decisions are well-informed, fostering more meaningful relationships with these healthcare decisions. You must provide a copy of the same to your doctor and your loved ones so that both must know your desires and wishes.
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Allows you to speak for yourself:
Having an ACD document gives you a voice when you can’t speak for yourself, ensuring you receive the medical treatment you want. It also allows you to update your preferences in case they change. Sharing your end-of-life care priorities with loved ones can improve relationships and protect your wishes.
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It is easy to create:
For those who think making an ACD is a complex and complicated process, we want to let them know it is not. While it requires everything to be made in writing, the process is easy, and there are no costs involved. Requirements for advance care directives differ by state; some forms may need to be notarised or witnessed. Legal assistance is optional, but it may be helpful to consult a lawyer.
Let’s understand how having a lawyer can make your journey easy.
Why is hiring ACD lawyers a must?
Although it isn’t compulsory for everyone, hiring advance care directive lawyers can be a valuable investment for those looking to navigate this planning in Australia.
Jackson & Associates has expert lawyers who can help you create a document that best suits your needs. Here’s why:
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Expertise and guidance:
Lawyers specialising in ACD have extensive knowledge and expertise regarding specific laws and regulations. This expertise allows them to ensure that your ACD documents are legally valid and can be enforced. Additionally, they can guide and help you tailor your ACD to align with your preferences and values.
- Simplify complicated terms:
ACD lawyers serve as interpreters, helping to simplify complex and legal terms. They provide explanations and guidance, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions that align with their values and beliefs.
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Address family dynamics:
Family conflicts can arise when it comes to end-of-life care. ACD lawyers can help by promoting open communication and guiding discussions about your wishes. This can prevent future disagreements, and their neutral presence during these conversations can make them more accessible.
- Conflict resolution:
A proactive advanced solution involves creating a thorough advanced care directive (ACD) to prevent legal disputes. Despite this, unexpected situations may still occur. This is where ACD lawyers may help prepare for potential conflicts by appointing healthcare proxies and outlining various scenarios. This helps alleviate the emotional stress on your family members.
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Regular review and updates:
ACD lawyers provide ongoing support by regularly reviewing and suggesting updates to your Advance Care Directive to ensure that it accurately reflects your current preferences and complies with any changes in healthcare needs and legal regulations.
- Provide peace of mind:
Knowing your healthcare wishes are documented and will be fulfilled by your loved ones and doctors brings you immense peace of mind. The ACD lawyers work tirelessly to create a sense of peace and security, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.
The Bottom Line
Although it is not compulsory to hire lawyers, their knowledge and guidance can be highly beneficial for you. They act as partners in a necessary process, advocating for your rights and ensuring your desires are honoured, mainly when you cannot communicate.
Contact Jackson & Associates for legal assistance and guidance in this matter.
