Summary

Allows you to make generalised statements describing your wishes and preference about future treatment and care.

It can provide a guide to anyone, including doctors, who might have to make decisions in your best interest if you have lost the capacity to make decisions or to communicate them.

Other terms used include ‘a statement of wishes’

 

Detail

It can be verbal but if you write it down, it can act as a permanent record for people treating you to refer to, so they know what you like.

For example:

• Where would you like to be looked after such as your home, in a hospital, in a nursing home or hospice
• Religious beliefs or other beliefs or any aspects of life you particularly value
• Where would you like to be at the end of your life and who would you like to be with you
• Who should be consulted if you become unable to make decisions (This isn’t the same as legally appointing somebody to make decisions for you under a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and care)

 

It is not legally binding; however if you create a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and care you could state you have prepared an Advance Statement. Your attorney (s) must take your Advance Statement into account when deciding what is in your best interest.

 

An Advance Statement is not the same as an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment.

It is important to note that you can make both an Advance Statement and an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment.