Making health care decisions for others

A new resource for families and substitute decision-makers

New from End of Life Law for Clinicians (ELLC)

A new practical guide is now available to help families and substitute decision-makers navigate health care decisions when a person cannot decide for themselves.

Why this matters
This resource was developed in response to feedback from aged care health professionals, who identified a gap in clear, practical guidance for families facing end-of-life decisions.

What the guide covers

  • When substitute decision-making is needed

  • Who can be a substitute decision-maker

  • How to make decisions based on the person’s wishes, values and preferences

  • The role of advance care directives

  • The importance of supporting patients to make their own decisions wherever possible.

How to use it in practice

  • Share with patients, families and carers during advance care planning discussions

  • Provide to families when decision-making capacity is impaired

  • Use across primary, aged care and acute settings

We encourage health professionals to share this accessible resource to support informed, person-centred decision-making.

Access the guide
https://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1572425/ELLC-A-guide-for-substitute-decision-makers.pdf

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