The ability to make decisions regarding our health and well-being is something that we might not always have. Advanced care planning involves making decisions about your future care with your health and social care professionals. These wishes can be followed if you aren’t able to make decisions in the future.

Who Should Consider Getting Advanced Care?

With the recent pandemic, COVID-19 has changed the way that we approach our health care, many people have opted to live in care options for their well-being which is highly beneficial because they are in a familiar environment and establish a consistent routine. 

So who should consider advanced care? Everyone. Advance Care allows both the young and old to adequately prepare themselves for any foreseeable future illness and medical needs.

Some of the benefits include;

• Discussing the individual’s understanding of their illness or prognosis
• Exploring the options available to them
• Identifying their wishes, preferences, priorities and concerns
• Refusing specific treatment, if they wish to
• Asking someone to speak for them if they are not able to do so
• Appointing someone to make healthcare decisions for them, using a Lasting Power of Attorney
• Letting people know their wishes for their future care

This will allow you to paint a clear picture of your wishes to your friends and family should you not be able to communicate them clearly any longer.

How Do I Get An Advance Care Plan?

The best to start is to have a conversation about planning ahead with your GP or specialist healthcare professional. Additionally, sometimes your doctor or nurse will suggest planning ahead.

Before you make your advance care plan, it may help to talk your wishes through with your healthcare professional, family and friends.

Ask a healthcare professional near you, for an advance care planning form.

Updating Your Advanced Care Plan For Your Future Needs

It’s a good idea to review your plan regularly to make sure it still reflects your wishes. It’s also important to review your advance care plan if your situation or views change.

You can change your plan at any time, as long as you’re able to make decisions about your care (have mental capacity).