Advance Care Directive: How to Create a Living Will in Australia

Advance Care Directive: How to Create a Living Will in Australia

Thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to serious illness or end-of-life care. But creating an advance care directive—also known as a living will—gives you the power to take control of your healthcare decisions before a crisis happens.

This guide will help you understand what an advance care directive is, how to write one, and how it’s different from making a traditional will.

What Is an Advance Care Directive?

An advance care directive is a written document that outlines your future healthcare wishes in case you’re unable to communicate them yourself.

It lets you:
– Say what treatments you would or wouldn’t want
– Appoint a substitute decision-maker (someone you trust to speak for you)
– Share your values, preferences, and beliefs around care

Each Australian state or territory has its own rules and official forms, but the purpose is the same: to ensure your voice is heard even if you lose the ability to speak.

Who Is an Advance Care Directive For?

An advance care directive is for **any adult** who wants to plan ahead for future medical care—especially if they lose the ability to communicate their wishes so it can be from someone 18 years upwards.

In Western Australia, anyone aged 18 or over who has the capacity to understand their healthcare choices and the consequences can legally make an Advance Care Directive (ACD). This means even someone in their 30s can create an ACD, as long as they understand the relevant information and can clearly communicate their decisions.

It’s particularly relevant for:

– Older adults or people in aged care
– Individuals with chronic or terminal illnesses
– Anyone undergoing major surgery or treatment
– People with early-stage dementia or degenerative conditions

But it’s not just for the elderly. Advance care planning is something every adult should consider—because unexpected situations can happen at any age.

Is It the Same as a Living Will?

In Australia, a living will is simply another name people use for an advance care directive. The term “living will” is more common in the US, but the idea is the same—writing down your medical care wishes for future use.

Why Should I Make an Advance Care Directive?

Creating an advance care directive can:
– Reduce stress on your family during a medical emergency
– Prevent unwanted treatments or interventions
– Help your care team make decisions that match your values

It’s a way to stay in control—no matter what happens.

How to Make a Will vs How to Make an Advance Directive

  • Medical decisions during your life

  • Covers treatments, resuscitation, and care plans

Legal Will

  • Distributes assets after your death

  • Covers property, money, guardianship

Want to know how to make a will? That’s a separate legal document handled through a solicitor or online platform. It outlines what happens to your estate after you die.

But a living will (advance directive) focuses on what happens while you’re still alive but unable to speak for yourself.

How to Create an Advance Care Directive

1. Think About What Matters to You

Would you want to stay at home? Avoid aggressive treatment? Accept pain relief even if it shortens life? Write down your values.

2. Choose a Substitute Decision-Maker

Appoint someone you trust to make decisions if you’re unconscious or unable to communicate. This person should be 18+ and fully understand your wishes.

3. Use the Right Form

Each state or territory has a different form. You can find links to your local form on the Australian Government Health website or scroll down to the bottom.

4. Sign and Share It

Once completed, sign it and share copies with:

– Your doctor or hospital
– Your substitute decision-maker
– Family members
– Ambulance service (if relevant)
– Upload to your My Health Record

5. Review and Update Regularly

Life circumstances change—so update your advance directive if your preferences or health changes.

FAQs: Advance Care Directive and Living Will

Answer: Yes—if completed correctly, it must be followed by doctors and hospitals

Answer: Not usually. But some people choose legal advice to make sure everything’s accurate.

Answer: Absolutely. You can revoke or revise your directive at any time

Final Thoughts

Creating an advance care directive or living will is one of the most compassionate things you can do—for yourself and for your loved ones. It takes the pressure off others and ensures your voice is respected.

Don’t wait for a health crisis. Start today. Think, talk, document, and share.

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References:

  1. Healthy WA – Advance Health Directives

  2. WA Government – Office of the Public Advocate

  3. Advance Health Directive Form Guide (PDF)

  4. WA Office of the Public Advocate – Enduring Power of Guardianship Guide (PDF)

Advance Care Directive Forms for Your State or Territory

Each Australian state and territory has its own official Advance Care Directive (ACD) or equivalent form. To ensure your document is legally valid and followed by healthcare providers, use the correct form for your location.

Here are the official links to the Advance Care Directive forms and resources for each state and territory:

Disclaimer: This blog offers helpful guidance on Advance Care Directives as of July 2025. For the most up-to-date and official details, please check the health websites of your state or territory.

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