An advance care directive is a legal form that allows people over the age of 18 years to:
- write down their wishes, preferences and instructions for future health care, living arrangements, personal matters and end of life
- appoint one or more substitute decision-makers to make these decisions on their behalf when they're unable to do so themselves.
Advance care directives came into effect on 1 July 2014. If you already had a medical power of attorney or an anticipatory direction, these continue to be legally valid, unless you complete the advance care directive form.
See the advance care directives website for information on preparing an advance care directive, or register to use their online form.
For free legal advice, phone the Legal Services Commission on 1300 366 424.
Buy an advance care directive DIY kit from Service SA or download a free copy.
Related information
Other websites
- Advance directives - Legal Services Commission of South Australia
- Advance Care Planning Australia
- Office for the Public Advocate - help with making decisions and resolving disputes
- Advance care directive - SA Health
- My health information - resource to support people with intellectual disability to communicate their needs and preferences to healthcare staff while in hospital - Centre for Disability Health
