Appointment of Enduring Guardian

An Enduring Guardian is someone you appoint to make lifestyle, health and medical decisions for you when you are not capable of doing this for yourself (lose capacity). This may be due to illness or accident. Appointing an Enduring Guardian can include:

• An Advance Care Directive

• An Advance Care Plan

Who can appoint an Enduring Guardian?

If you are over eighteen (18) years old and are able to understand the nature and effect of appointing an Enduring Guardian (have capacity), you can appoint an Enduring Guardian.

What can an Enduring Guardian decide?

Your Enduring Guardian will decide:

• Where you live

• What services are provided to you at home

• What medical treatment you receive

Why should I appoint an Enduring Guardian?

Appointing an Enduring Guardian gives you a sense of security. It is comforting to know that if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself, you have appointed someone you trust to make medical, health and lifestyle decisions on your behalf.

What happens if I don't appoint an Enduring Guardian?

It can be both time-consuming and emotionally draining for your friends and relatives if you lose capacity and have not appointed an Enduring Guardian. An application will need to be made and a Guardian will be appointed for you. This may be a relative, friend or an independent public official (Public Guardian). As this will occur after you lose capacity, you will not be able to choose who your Enduring Guardian is.

To discuss the Appointment of Enduring Guardian further, please contact A.W.M Dickinson and Son here.