Future planning

Future planning allows people to have the opportunity to

• Make decisions about future care, and review possible scenarios in relation to their own situation and their values
• Identify a proxy decision maker, if one is available and appropriate
• Discuss wills, funerals, and other matters related to the end of life.

Future planning includes appointing a medical decision maker and enduring power of attorney

Encourage the patient and carer to speak to family, trusted friends and a solicitor when seeking assistance to complete medical treatment decision maker and enduring power of attorney documents.

Medical decision maker

A medical treatment decision maker (a person who has legal authority to make medical treatment decisions, including procedures provided by dental and allied health practitioners, if the patient is unable to do so in the future)

or

A medical support person (a support person can support the patient to make, communicate and give effect to your medical treatment decisions)

Enduring power of attorney

An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that lets a person appoint someone to make decisions about personal/ lifestyle matters or financial matters or both.

The Office of the Public Advocate is the principle source for information on medical treatment decision makers, supportive attorneys and Powers of Attorney. State Trustees Victoria provide similar information but also provide services for people where an alternative to family and trusted friends may be needed

Further information and resources can be found at

Office of Public Advocate https://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Legal requirements can vary between states so check the Office of Public Advocate for your state to up to date information and documentation.