The new year brings hope and anticipation of what lies ahead. As we learned in 2020, though, sometimes it presents us with unexpected events where we need to make tough decisions.

These decisions can be even harder when we need to make them on behalf of others. This is a common problem for families being faced with a serious illness or injury of a loved one, and asking the question “What would they want?”

Talking about our wishes, or the wishes of our loved ones, isn’t an easy conversation to have – and not one we tend to think about when everything is going well. But while it’s challenging, it’s important.

One option to ease this difficult situation is to have clear plans in place.

An Advanced Care Directive is a way for people over the age of 18 to legally record their wishes.

With this, you can write down your wishes and preferences regarding your future healthcare, end-of-life wishes, living arrangements and personal matters.

It also allows you to appoint a decision-maker who can make decisions on your behalf. An Advanced Care Directive only takes effect when you are unable to make your own decisions.

It can be updated or changed as you choose.

It is important to let your loved ones know you have written an Advanced Care Directive so they can ensure it is actioned when required.

However, note that this doesn’t cover financial decisions

– your wishes for your assets and estate will require you to draw up a will.

Hopefully, your Advanced Care Directive won’t ever be needed, but taking the time to think about and record your wishes will reduce any potential burden on your loved ones if such a situation arises.

For further information, visit the SA Government website.

As published in The Advertiser’s Boomer lift-out on 11 January