Have you thought of who will make your everyday 

lifestyle and medical decisions when you can’t?

​​Other than planning for your financial and business affairs, have you considered what will happen if you suffer from an illness or accident and is unable to make lifestyle and medical decisions? You may know that you need a Will that protects your loved ones after you pass away or have an Enduring Power of Attorney that ensures that your financial affairs are in trusted hands when you are unable to manage your own affairs. 

However, you should also ensure that you appoint an Enduring Guardian who can make lifestyle, health and medical decisions for you when you are not capable of doing so e.g. deciding where you live, what lifestyle and medical services you will receive.

Your Enduring Guardian will only step in if or when you lose mental capacity and will only take effect during the period of your incapacity. This means that while it may never be required, it is an excellent way to plan for your future, especially for unexpected situations. 

You can make one if you are above 18 years old and have mental capacity to understand the effect of the Enduring Guardianship. You can always revoke or cancel the appoint and also make another one at any time as long as you continue to have the capacity to understand what you are doing.

An Enduring Guardian gives you a peace of mind to know that even if you are unable to make important decisions for yourself, someone whom you trust of your own choice will legally be able to have your back. 

​If you do not appoint an Enduring Guardian, an application can be made to the relevant tribunal in your state to appoint a Guardian for you. If no one is suitable and available, the tribunal may appoint an independent official. Often, this is not ideal for you.​