Writing down your wishes

You can write your wishes down if you would like to.

Option 1. – Informal approach.

You can simply write an informal letter to your substitute decision maker/s, or one that states ‘ To Whom it may concern’. The letter can describe the things that are important to you, and explain what decisions you have made about your future medical treatments. It can be used by your loved ones and carers to guide how they will care for you.

Try to make your letter

• Current – review, date and sign every year, in case you change your mind
• Witnessed– sign it and date it with your substitute decision maker, a friend, GP, Solicitor, nurse, who ever you feel comfortable with
• Specific - be as specific as you can in explaining your decisions, especially if they are about an illness that you know you have and are planning for.

Give a copy of your plan to your substitute decision maker, your GP, friends and family.

Option 2. – Formal approach.

You can use a more formal approach, such as filling in a form.

Below are links to two types of forms, a ‘Statement of Choices’ (or ‘advance care plan’) and an ‘Advance Care Directive’

Click on the headings below to view or download a copy of the documents

• Statement of Choices (or ‘advance care plan’) – A simple and straightforward form that covers very general wishes for health care, and has some areas that you can write down more specific and personal thoughts.