How can we help?
An ‘enduring power of attorney’ is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to act on your behalf when you’re unable to. It allows them to make decisions around your finances, housing or other personal matters.
A ‘medical treatment decision maker’ is someone you appoint to make medical decisions for you. This can be a different person to your enduring power of attorney. You can read more about this via Seniors Rights Victoria’s “Decision making and your rights”information sheet.
To make a power of attorney, you need to be over 18 and have decision-making capacity. You can only make one for yourself. It is very important you trust who you choose. The Office of the Public Advocate offers several guides to help you appoint a power of attorney. This includes one specifically for older people.
Advanced care planning lets you plan out your future health care needs. It allows you to let people know what you do and do not want, if you are unable to communicate your wishes. Find out more at Advanced Care Planning Australia or call them on 1300 208 582.