Planning ahead: Understanding your legal health documents

As we walk alongside individuals navigating serious illness, it’s important to not only focus on comfort and quality of life, but also to plan for the future. The MSWA Nursing team regularly support individuals and families impacted by neurological conditions that may affect a person’s ability to make decisions over time.

Planning ahead ensures that your values and wishes remain central to your care, even if you lose the ability to speak for yourself. Having the right legal documents in place can also relieve stress on loved ones during already difficult times. Here are four key tools to help you stay in control of your future:

An AHD allows you to record your preferences for medical treatment if you are no longer able to communicate. This may include decisions about life support, resuscitation, pain relief and other interventions. It’s also a place to express your personal values and what quality of life means to you – guiding healthcare teams and family members to act in accordance with your wishes. Visit Advance Health Directives to find out more.

An EPA allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you lose capacity to make decisions of this nature. This may include managing bank accounts, paying bills, or handling property transactions. Note: this authority does not extend to health or personal care decisions. Visit Enduring Power of Attorney | Western Australian Government to find out more.

A Will is a legal document that ensures your assets, belongings, and responsibilities (like guardianship or dependents) are managed according to your wishes after you pass away. Without one, decisions may be made by the courts, potentially causing delays and distress for your family. Visit Make a Will: Public Trustee | Western Australian Government to find out more. 

You can also consider leaving a gift in your will to help create a future where West Aussies impacted by neurological conditions have access to the best possible support, specialised care and hope they deserve.

Neurological conditions can progress gradually or occur suddenly. By putting these legal documents in place, you protect your voice, ease the emotional load on loved ones and stay in control of your future. 

Speak with your MSWA Nurse, general practitioner, solicitor or local public trustee to begin the conversation. Planning ahead is for anyone who wants to make their choices known and ensure the people they trust are empowered to act on their behalf.