If you lose capacity to make decisions
Dealing with a life limiting illness can be difficult enough, but there are additional options available to help in managing your affairs.
This could be in case at some point in the future you don't have capacity to make important medical or legal decisions. Options you may want to consider include:
- nominating an Enduring Guardianship, who decides any medical, health and lifestyle matters on your behalf
- appointing an Enduring Power of Attorney, who makes legal and financial decisions in the event you're unable to do so
- creating an Advance Care Directive, which is an official recording of your wishes and values that need to be considered before medical treatment or health care decisions are made on your behalf
If you feel you need support right away, contact the Lifeline Crisis centre or call them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14
It may be helpful to get support when you’re diagnosed with a life limiting illness. Talk to your GP about accessing support services and specialist care groups, including:
- counselling and psychology
- social workers or online therapy
- palliative care services
You may be able to get some of these services for no or at low cost.
Register as an organ donor
Organs and tissue donations are used to save or transform a person's life. And almost anyone can donate, including older people and those with chronic health conditions.
Find out more at the Australian Government's DonateLife