Advance decisions, advance statements and living wills - Factsheet - Valid until Wednesday 18 Jun 2025
There are things you can do to make sure others know how you would like to be cared for and which medical treatment(s) you would want to refuse, if you are ever unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Preparing an advance statement and an advance decision to refuse treatment (often simply called an advance decision or referred to as a ‘living will’) are two things you can do. This factsheet explains what they are, why you might want to prepare them, requirements for drawing them up and ways to ensure people know they exist.
If you want to know how to make arrangements for others to manage your affairs or make decisions on your behalf, should the time come when you are unable to do this yourself, see factsheet 22, Arranging for someone to make decisions on your behalf.
Download Factsheet/Guide
