Further information
General overviews about planning ahead
A 27 page booklet published by The Benevolent Society that provides a good overview of ACP issues. Topics covered include making a will; making a power of attorney; enduring guardianship; decisions about my health; getting legal assistance and further information.
A six page leaflet produced by Legal Aid NSW that explains what happens if a person loses the capacity to make their own decisions and how you can plan ahead for this possibility.
A seven page leaflet produced by the NSW Seniors Information Service that provides basic information on these issues listed in the title.
This leaflet is also available in the following languages:
** Arabic
** Chinese
** Greek
** Italian
** Polish
** Spanish
Other ACP websites
A useful website developed by health staff on the central Coast of NSW. It includes several short video presentations, information sheets and forms for use in advance care planning.
A 31 page booklet written specifically for NSW that also contains a directive form that can be filled out. Published by the Advance Care Directive Association, it is available by ringing 0423 157 003 or through the weblink above.
This website has a range of information for the general public and healthcare staff. It has been developed from the work on ACP done by staff in HNEAHS over a number of years.
A comprehensive program of ACP with useful information and guidelines.
This Centre at Southern Cross University has a range of information about advance care directives, including power of attorney and enduring guardianship forms, advance care directive forms and Powerpoint presentations by Prof Colleen Cartwright.
An American website that is promoting a National Day to focus on ACP. It has a big range of information and resources from programs across the USA.
Substitute decision-making, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship relevant to New South Wales
A two page leaflet from the Guardianship Tribunal that explains the concept of “person responsible” as the person who should provide consent for medical treatment for a person who is not able to provide their own consent.
A five page brochure from the Department of Lands that explains the processes around general (or ordinary) and enduring powers of attorney.
This is the appropriate form to be used by people in New South Wales.
A six page leaflet from the Guardianship Tribunal that explains the processes around enduring guardianship.
This is the appropriate form to be used by people in New South Wales.
Substitute decision-making, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship relevant to Australian jurisdictions outside New South Wales
Regulations and forms related to substitute decision-making vary somewhat across Australian States and Territories. The links below will provide a starting point for getting information relevant to locations outside NSW
** Queensland
** Victoria
** Tasmania
Government Department clinical guidelines
A 17 page booklet published by NSW Health that focuses on a process for making end-of-life decisions about care.
A 13 page booklet published by NSW Health to provide advice to health professionals on the best practice use of advance care directives within an advance care planning process.
Other information or resources
An 80 page booklet includes in depth discussion about the most common medical treatment decisions faced by those who are living with a life-threatening illness, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), artificial feeding and treatment settings.