Advance Care Planning
We know that talking about the future isn’t always easy. But planning ahead can give peace of mind – both for you and for the people you love.
An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a way of recording your wishes and preferences, so that if there ever comes a time when you’re unable to make decisions for yourself, those closest to you, and the professionals supporting you, will know what matters most to you.
It doesn’t matter what age you are, or whether you’re living with an illness. Advance Care Planning is about making sure your voice is heard. By setting things down in writing now, you can help ease the burden on loved ones later, giving them more space to focus on what’s most important at that time.
What an Advance Care Plan can include
An ACP can be as detailed or as simple as you like. It might cover:
- Your preferences for care and treatment
- Where you would like to be cared for if you became seriously unwell
- Funeral wishes or arrangements
- Practical details about day-to-day life
- Information to help your family manage things on your behalf, such as how to access online accounts
Our Education & Outreach Facilitator, Gail Coneron, works with patients, families and carers to support them in thinking ahead. Gail also helps staff feel confident in starting these important conversations.
Advice when considering an Advance Care Plan
- Start the conversation early. It’s often easier to talk about future wishes before you reach a point of crisis.
- Involve those closest to you. Sharing your thoughts can give your loved ones confidence and reassurance.
- Write it down. Verbal conversations are valuable, but a written plan helps ensure your wishes are followed.
- Review your plan regularly. Circumstances and wishes can change over time.
- Seek guidance if you need it. Healthcare professionals, solicitors, or trusted organisations can offer support and advice.
John's kindly shares his experience
John McNulty shares his experience of creating an Advance Care Plan alongside his daughter, Tracy Sturgeon, and the rest of his family. Together, they describe the peace of mind it has brought them.
John, one of our service users who attends the services within our Health, Wellbeing & Rehabilitation department, has been supported by Gail and the Hospice team to put his plan in place.