Advance Care Planning and Enduring Guardianship

Many people will choose to write directions in their Enduring Guardianship Appointment about their wishes regarding health care and medical treatment in the event of a life-threatening situation, or regarding end-of-life care.  There are no restrictions about what people can include in their directions (although directions must be lawful within NSW).  However, including very specific or lengthy directions about health and medical treatment may mean that the person will need to review and alter their Enduring Guardianship more often to reflect their changing health issues.

An alternative to this approach is for people to prepare a separate Advance Care Directive or Advance Care Plan, and to give directions to their Enduring Guardian(s) to refer to these documents when making decisions. 

NSW Health has a range of resources for people interested in knowing more about Advance Care Planning.

If a person is not sure how to word their Enduring Guardianship Appointment or how to include their wishes regarding future medical care, you can refer them to the Public Guardian’s information line on 02 8688 6070 or 1800 451 510.  Additional information and resources on Advance Care Planning are also available from this website.