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Plan.

Whatever the law says, you can decide now.

Most of the distress we hear about could have been eased by a conversation held earlier. Our free guide takes you through it in four steps.

A woman meeting an adviser across a desk

In this section

Plan.

Whatever the law says, you can decide now.

Most of the distress we hear about could have been eased by a conversation held earlier. Our free guide takes you through it in four steps.

  1. Think it through

    What matters most to you: where, with whom, and what you would and wouldn’t want.

  2. Write it down

    An advance directive records your wishes about treatment, in case you can’t say them yourself.

  3. Choose someone

    A power of attorney lets a person you trust speak for you when it counts.

  4. Talk about it

    Share your plan with family and your GP, so it’s known before it’s needed.

Get the free guide

Free to anyone in Scotland.

Advance directive

A statement of my wishes for my care at the end of life

I, Margaret Anne Reid, of Edinburgh, make this statement while I am able to make decisions for myself. I ask that it is followed if I cannot say these things myself.

  1. Place of care. I wish to be cared for, and to die, at home, with the window open.
  2. Those with me. I would like Anna and the boys to be with me.
  3. My representative. My sister, Morag Reid, holds my welfare power of attorney and will speak for me.
  4. Treatment. I do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means if there is no reasonable prospect of recovery.
Signed
7 October 2026Date
Witnessed by
Dr J. CampbellName of witness
An example of what an advance directive can cover. Our free guide walks you through writing your own.

If you’re struggling right now

We support people facing the end of life and promote choice at that time; we don’t provide information about methods of ending life. If you need someone to talk to now, Samaritans are on 116 123, free, day or night, and Breathing Space is on 0800 83 85 87. For questions about your own care, your GP or palliative care team is the right first call.

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