Planning ahead – and why it matters for everyone
Whilst many of us will live longer than our parents’ generation, most of us will live our later years with one or more health conditions. Some of us may develop conditions such as dementia that make it difficult to communicate our wishes about how we want to be looked after, and what we want to happen if we become seriously ill.
It therefore makes sense for everyone to think about creating a plan which records our hopes and wishes.
This proactive approach is known as Advance Care Planning (ACP), and today (7h May 2025) is nominated as National Advance Care Plan Day.
Why should I have an Advance Care Plan?
An Advance Care Plan means that your family and healthcare professionals fully understand your wishes and expectations if you need care at some point in the future.
Much like making a will, creating an ACP enables you to ‘get your house in order’ and gives you peace of mind about an unpredictable future. It can also reduce a potential source of stress for families, who may have different opinions about what is best for you.
How do I make an Advance Care Plan?
Firstly, think about what matters most to you and what might be important to you should you become very unwell. For example, where would you like to be looked after? Do you have any religious or spiritual beliefs that should be respected?
The next step is to record your wishes. Your GP can guide you through completing an Advance Statement, which records your wishes as a guide for others, as well as explaining more about an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT), which is a legally binding document about possible future care.
Other documents to consider include a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This can be applied for online, or you can talk to your solicitor.
If you are already unwell, you can speak to any professional involved in your care including your GP, consultant or nurse. They can help you to understand treatments and care options that need to be considered in specific contexts, including a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) order and, in some areas, the the ReSPECT form.
Once completed, copies of your ACP should be kept with all relevant medical notes and care plans.
It is important to remember that your ACP will always be considered before any action is taken. Sometimes, your wishes may be overridden, but only where there is good reason. Remember too that you can change your mind about anything in your ACP but do be sure that everyone knows and that your plan is kept updated.
For more information, click on the following links:
https://www.alamal.org.uk/ (Muslim Advanced care planning guide)
https://www.england.nhs.uk and search for Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning (ACP) (2022).
https://compassionindying.org.uk/
