Advance statement of wishes

An advance statement is a document in which a person can express their wishes, preferences, beliefs, and values about their future care and treatment. It is also known as a living will or a personal directive.

Advance statements are typically used in the context of healthcare, particularly for people who have long-term health conditions, disabilities, or terminal illnesses. The purpose of an advance statement is to ensure that the person’s wishes are taken into account if they are unable to communicate them later on.

An advance statement may cover a wide range of issues, including:

• The type of medical treatment or care that the person would like to receive or refuse
• The place where the person would prefer to receive care, such as at home or in a hospital
• The person’s religious or cultural beliefs that may impact their care
• The person’s preferences for end-of-life care, such as whether they would like to be resuscitated or have life-sustaining treatment withheld
• The person’s wishes regarding organ donation and funeral arrangements.

An advance statement is not legally binding, but healthcare professionals are expected to take it into account when making decisions about a person’s care.