Does anyone know what your future wishes are?

Thinking about the care that you may need or want in the future gives you an opportunity to think about it, talk about it and write down.

Having these discussions can help you and the people close to you to understanding what you feel is important for your future.

Thinking about and discussing your future plans is known as Advance Care Planning, often written as ACP.

Having an Advance Care Plan provides an opportunity to discuss and record your view. It will help to make sure that your wishes are respected and your voice continues to be heard if, at sometime in the future, you are unable to speak for yourself.

What kind of things can I plan for and write in my ACP?

- Your wishes and preferences for the future.

-Future wishes.

- Who will make decisions for you.

- Where you want to be cared for.

- What that care may or may not involve.

How do I do it?

- Think about what you want or do not want.

- Let people know.

- Discuss your wishes and write them down.

- Speak to those close to you.

- Speak to the professionals caring for you.

Is an ACP legally binding?

An ACP is not a legal document, it is a statement of your wishes and preferences. It does not have to be complicated or involve solicitors, but it can help others to respect and value your wishes if needed in the future. An ACP can lead to:

- An advance statemt

- An adance decision to refuse treatment (ADRT)

- DNACPR

- A lasting power of attorney (LPOA)

What happens if I change my mind?

Don't worry if you change your mind. This is not a problem. You can alter your ACP at any time to reflect your most recent wishes and preferences.

Who can help me write my Advance Care Plan?

- Family

- Carers

- Nursing Staff

- Doctors

Where should I keep my Advance Care Plan?

At home, letting your family and loved ones know where to find it.

You can give a copy to anyone who is involved in your care such as:

- Family member

- GP

- Your hospital team

- Community nursing team

- Professional carers

Where do I go from here?

Following your conversation with your family or those close to you, it would be helpful to inform your own General Practitioner (GP)

If you need further information, support and advice you can contact the ACP facilitators:

Christine Wheeler Tel: 01633 261457

christine.wheeler@wales.nhs.uk

Pat Worlock Tel: 01873 732293

pat.worlock@wales.nhs.uk

or

ACP Primary Care Nursing Team

Tel: 01495 241200

Useful Links:

www.dyingmatters.org/wales

www.advancecareplan.org.uk

Thank you guys for reading x