You can begin planning at any time. People often start to think ahead and talk with friends and family when life events happen such as:
- a new diagnosis
- a hospital admission
- moving into a care home
- a decline in health
- a change in care and support needs
Your doctor, nurse or care worker might suggest a meeting to start talking about your health, care and support. This is sometimes done face to face but can be by phone or video as well. You can include a family member or friend, or carer in the discussion if you wish. If you have granted someone Power of Attorney (PoA), it is helpful for them to be involved.
Conversations about future care planning can cover:
- how planning ahead can help you
- what you know about your health and how it might change
- medical information about your health, treatment and care
- what matters to you and your family
- what treatment and care options you have and how they can help you
- treatments that would not work for you
- treatments you would not want
- agreeing your plan with you and when it will be reviewed
You can also talk about any other questions, worries, or problems you may have.
