How do I go about making an Advance Directive?

It’s not difficult to make an advance directive. You don’t need a lawyer. In fact, you have the right to make an advance directive without involving anyone else in its preparation. However, taking the following steps will help ensure that your advance directive is respected, and the decisions contained within it acknowledged and acted upon.

• If possible, make your advance directive in writing rather than verbally. State your preferences as clearly as you can, then sign and date it.
• If you prepare your advance directive with the help of your clinician or another health worker, he or she can verify that you are competent and sufficiently informed about your stated preferences, and can help you clarify the type of situation you intend your directive to cover.
• If you involve your family/whānau in preparing your advance directive, or at least inform them of it, they will be better equipped to support you and to advocate for your wishes in a crisis.
• Regularly review and update your advance directive so that it reflects any changes in your condition or your preferences, and is viewed by clinicians as still representing your wishes.
• Keep a copy of your advance directive yourself, and give copies to your family or support persons, and the clinicians most often involved in your care.

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