What is an Enduring power of guardianship?

An Enduring Power of Guardianship is a legal document prepared under instruction by you the client that authorises a person of your choice to make important personal and lifestyle decisions on your behalf should you ever become incapable of making such decisions yourself. The person you appoint is known as your Enduring Guardian. An Enduring Guardian could be authorised to make decisions such as where you live, and the support services you can access. You can appoint two Enduring Guardians TO ACT JOINTLY, but as they must act jointly, it is important that you consider their ability to work together on your behalf.

Your Enduring Guardian decides:

• Where you live;
• Who you live with;
• Makes treatment decisions on your behalf for any medical, surgical or dental treatment or other health care (including palliative care and life-sustaining measures such as assisted ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation);
• Determines who you associate with;
• Deals with any legal proceedings on your behalf excluding matters relating to your property or estate;
• Advocates for and makes decisions regarding the support services you access.