Planning ahead involves thinking or talking about end of life with family and friends, and this can be hard, which is completely natural. You may feel very concerned about what lies ahead and how decisions about your health care, lifestyle and finances will be made. Talking about your future wishes for end of life care is important, however, and helps with planning ahead.1 Planning ahead can help you feel more in control of what’s going on and bring some peace of mind to you and your loved ones.2 It’s more likely that you will receive the care you want and have the best quality of life possible.
The main things you need to start thinking and talking with loved ones about for planning ahead are:
Depending on where you live in Australia, there are different legal documents for planning ahead. The documents vary but they all address how your wishes are met, including those for Advance Care Planning and Power of Attorney.3 It’s important to be aware of differing legislation across Australia, and your state MND Association can help you find the information that best suits your needs (see below).
It's important to note that:
Advance care planning involves thinking about and discussing with your family, friends and health professionals:
Advance care information can then be used to guide a substitute decision-maker, family member or health professional when you are unable to communicate, or no longer have the ability to make decisions for yourself. For example, you may wish to specify what happens if your main carer is unable to support you for any reason.
In all states and territories, you can record your information in a formal document. Depending on where you live, the document may be referred to as an ‘Advance Care Directive’, ‘Living Will’, ‘Health Direction’ or ‘Advance Health Directive’. You are able to record your values, life goals and preferred outcomes, or wishes about care and treatments. You can also use the document to appoint a substitute decision-maker.
A substitute decision-maker can make decisions about specific areas of your life, based on your instructions.5 Decisions can range from those for medical treatments and the managing of bank accounts, to the use of social media accounts, funeral arrangements and guardianship of children. You need to complete certain advanced care documents to make a substitute decision-maker be recognised in law.
Once the documentation is in place, the substitute decision-making power is usually only initiated when you are unable to make or communicate decisions for yourself. It is recommended that the substitute decision-maker is involved in any advance care planning you undertake and is someone who will make decisions based on what you would want. To find out more contact your state MND Association, visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au or talk to a solicitor.
Managing your financial planning early will help you to better deal with your affairs and the costs of end of life care, including making a Will. For example, Medicare covers palliative care costs but there may be additional health care costs that may or may not be covered by your private health insurance or other government funded schemes.6 Carers and others supporting you may also be eligible for support through payments, discounts or subsidies to purchase necessary aids, equipment or services. You may also benefit from speaking with a qualified advisor for managing superannuation, insurance, daily or regular payments and other financial matters.7
A Will is a legal document that lets you leave clear instructions about what will happen to your money, property and belongings (known as your estate), in the event of your death.8 If you have children, you can also provide instructions in a Will for appointing their guardian, and their education and wellbeing. A simple Will is not usually expensive and could save your family costs in legal fees. Contacting different solicitors and getting a few quotes for legal work may help you reduce costs. A Will also makes managing your affairs much easier for your friends and family, particularly if your beneficiaries are not legally related to you. Your State MND Association can advise on best ways of going about making a Will, or see more information below.
Roles in relationships change when dealing with MND. If you have a partner, it can help to speak with them about everyday activities they may need to deal with, such as cooking, managing appliances, dates for family birthdays or gardening and similar household chores. Your digital legacy refers to any online records you leave in your name.9 You may wish to think about what happens to any:
If you would like to donate body tissue or organs for MND research it is always best to make any arrangements well in advance, and involve your family and health care team. Speak with your neurologist or state MND Association about donating body tissue.