The Australian Medical Association has urged Australians to discuss end of life care with loved ones as part of their New Year's resolution.
Professor Brian Owler of the AMA acknowledged that everyone does not like to talk about the context of dying, however, one should start to know how they would be treated when they reach the end of life.
He said, "As if the distress of witnessing a loved one approaching the end of their life is not enough, relatives and carers are often left guessing about how a person wanted to be treated because they never made their wishes known."
He added, "While competent patients have the right to make their own health care decisions, including the right to refuse life-sustaining treatments, some do not have decision-making capacity at the time end of life care decisions need to be made."
Professor Owler pointed out on Advance Care Plans should be set for an individual on how that person wants to be treated when death approaches him. This will be a guide to families and carers of the person especially when the time comes they cannot state their wishes.
Advance Care Plans can be applied at any age. He remarked, "Unfortunately, just because you are young and healthy doesn't mean you'll always be that way."
Advance Care Plans can be done in writing and is officially known as an Advance Care Directive, which will is recognised by common law. However, a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney is also accepted in case a person cannot state his wishes and has approached the end of life.