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Original poster

What can I do to avoid unwanted life-prolonging care?

32 replies

Czerwonitz · 17/03/2026 23:31

I'm gutted but not surprised by the assisted dying Bill result in Holyrood and I'm really quite terrified at the thought of something bad happening and being kept in institutional care in a life I don't want.

I know advanced directives are not legally binding (and I hear that clinicians are currently so paranoid of being accused of assisting a death that some truly awful situations are being dragged out for years even as the family ask them repeatedly to stop it).

Is there anything I can do to make sure that I'm not kept alive in a state I don't want? (Would be grateful to hear from anyone who has to deal with decision making at work about whether there are things I can do to make things clear).

I live in Scotland if that makes a difference but I get the sense it's all a bit uncertain. I hate that this is something to have to worry about (unless you're most MSPs it seems).

OP posts:
Catisheavyonmylap · 18/03/2026 07:35

capture2 · 18/03/2026 00:21

That. I did a form with them, witnessed, signed and handed into my GP surgery. Mine is basically
if I am diagnosed with dementia, I don’t want any life extending or saving treatment from that point onwards
if I have a massive brain injury, I also don’t want life extending/saving treatment

Show quote history

I found out I have a copy of the Apoe4 gene. I will be putting this is place pronto!

Catza · 18/03/2026 07:30

Unfortunately, advanced directive is not legally binding in Scotland which is a real shocker. With so much variation between devolved governments, I wonder if you could get a consultation with a legal professional. Even if it is a free one at CAB.

Damsonjam1 · 18/03/2026 02:10

I have a Health and Welfare LPA. My 'attorneys' (close family) can make decisions on my behalf if I lose capacity. They are aware that I would only want 'comfort care', and no treatment thats primary aim is to prolong life, if I have permanently lost capacity.

capture2 · 18/03/2026 00:21

olderbutwiser · 17/03/2026 23:48

In England an Advance Decision is legally binding, as long as it is correctly signed and witnessed. Main issue is making sure people know it exists - my GP has a copy of mine as well as copies at home and DH and DD know where it is and what it says.

Compassion in Dying has a very good free proforma for writing an Advance Decision plus instructions on how to make sure it’s legal.

If you have capacity to make a decision then you can refuse treatment.

If you don’t have capacity or AD then a ReSPECT form will document your wishes and will be taken into account; similarly your H&W POA can make decisions for you on your behalf (including refusal of resuscitation).

That. I did a form with them, witnessed, signed and handed into my GP surgery. Mine is basically
if I am diagnosed with dementia, I don’t want any life extending or saving treatment from that point onwards
if I have a massive brain injury, I also don’t want life extending/saving treatment

olderbutwiser · 17/03/2026 23:48

In England an Advance Decision is legally binding, as long as it is correctly signed and witnessed. Main issue is making sure people know it exists - my GP has a copy of mine as well as copies at home and DH and DD know where it is and what it says.

Compassion in Dying has a very good free proforma for writing an Advance Decision plus instructions on how to make sure it’s legal.

If you have capacity to make a decision then you can refuse treatment.

If you don’t have capacity or AD then a ReSPECT form will document your wishes and will be taken into account; similarly your H&W POA can make decisions for you on your behalf (including refusal of resuscitation).

JaneBoleyn · 17/03/2026 23:37
  • RESPECT form
JaneBoleyn · 17/03/2026 23:37

This may not be relevant to Scottish law, but have you considered:

Health PoA
A RESPECT firm
Talking to relatives who will listen and make your feelings very clear to them