If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, it’s worth talking to them about making an advance decision.
Also known as an advance directive, an advance decision is a legally binding document that outlines which medical treatments the person with dementia doesn’t want to have in future. It will be used when the person is no longer able to express or communicate their wishes. Preparing an Advance Decision is essential while the person still has capacity.
What would be included in an advance decision?
Examples include:
• Expressing a wish to have their organs donated after they pass away
• Not wanting to be resuscitated if they were to stop breathing in the later stages of illness
• Deciding they wouldn’t want antibiotics prescribed if they were to develop pneumonia during the later stages of their dementia
Why is an advance decision Important?
It may sound morbid, but ensuring the person’s wishes are met is essential. The decision must be relevant to the medical circumstances that have arisen and can only be used if the person no longer has capacity.
A person with dementia can write their own advance decision, but they need to be clear about their wishes and describe specific scenarios, like the ones mentioned. It’s worth the person discussing it with their GP first.
They could also discuss it with a solicitor if they are still unsure or have further questions, although they don’t have to use a solicitor to prepare an advance decision. It’s sensible to inform their GP that they have made one and ensure their GP has a copy.
What personal information should be used for an advance decision?
If they write their own advance decision, it must include the following information:
- Their name
- Their address
- Their date of birth
- The name, address and telephone number of their GP
- The date and signature
Who should witness the document?
The person should arrange for someone over 18 to sign and witness the document. If they choose not to use a solicitor but have one they’ve used for other matters in the past, let their solicitor have a copy.
Incidentally, the laws are different in Northern Ireland. Alzheimer’s Society has a template for an Advance Decision. Click here.
More information is available in our founder Christina’s book ‘Dementia Care: A Guide’ on Amazon. To buy the book, click here.