Many people in their middle age think, inevitably, about what happens to their estate after death. But what about you and your wishes in old age? These can be set out in a Living Will, otherwise known as an Advance Care Directive.

To bring peace of mind, and concretely set out your wishes, an Advance Care Directive details the kind of medical care you wish to receive should the time come that you can’t make or express these wishes yourself.

In this directive, you can outline primarily such things as what type of care you would accept or refuse, where you would like to receive this care, and who you would like to make decisions on your behalf if necessary, a person known as an enduring guardian.

Parts of the directive can either be written or spoken, signed or not, most notably, whether or not you wish to be resuscitated.

The steps to go about planning and drawing up an Advance Care Directive are firstly to talk to your family and loved ones to make known your wants and needs, as well as trusted health care sources and legal professionals. If you’re directive is deemed legally valid, no family members can therefore override your choices, they solely belong to you.