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The rise of Advance Decisions – Changing public attitudes towards end-of-life planning

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in public attitudes towards end-of-life planning in the UK.

Advance Decisions, commonly known as Living Wills, have emerged as an important tool for individuals to assert their healthcare preferences should they lose the capacity to communicate them.

This growing interest shows how more and more people are taking control of their future care, wanting their healthcare to reflect their personal values and wishes.

How Advance Decisions put you in the driver’s seat of your end-of-life care

An Advance Decision allows an individual to refuse specific medical treatments in the future, ensuring their wishes are respected even if they become unable to communicate them.

Legally binding under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (the Act), these decisions must be made while the individual has the mental capacity to do so and must clearly specify the treatments to be refused and the circumstances under which the refusal applies.

Changing public perceptions

Historically, discussions around death and dying have been considered taboo in British society.

However, recent studies indicate a change in this mindset.

Research conducted in Northern Ireland revealed that while barriers such as fear of upsetting others and lack of knowledge persist, there is a growing recognition of the importance of discussing end-of-life preferences.

Participants expressed a desire for more open conversations and better access to information regarding end-of-life care options.

Our solicitors can provide you with guidance on drafting valid Advance Decisions, ensuring they accurately reflect your wishes and comply with legal requirements.

We can also assist in integrating Advance Decisions with other planning tools, such as Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), to provide comprehensive end-of-life care planning.

For more information on Advance Decisions and end-of-life planning, please contact us today to speak with one of our experienced solicitors.