Advance Care Planning
Advance care planning is a delicate and sensitive topic that requires thoughtful consideration and careful preparation. Death is something many of us find difficult to talk about so we aren’t quite sure where to start.
However, even though it may be something we don’t want to think about, a life event may cause us to reflect on what our own wishes will be when the time arises.
Whilst it can be incredibly difficult to think and talk about, planning is an important process that can provide a sense of comfort and peace of mind for both individuals and their loved ones. By taking the time to think ahead, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected and that their loved ones are not left with difficult decisions during an already challenging time.
FOP Friends is not able to offer advice on this topic but we have gathered together details of some organisations who may be able to offer information and guidance to assist you in your decision making, and to help you begin conversations with those you love. You may also find that your local healthcare professional can signpost you to a specialist nurse who can assist you and your family.
If you would like to get a printed copy of any of the resources on these websites to discuss with your family and friends, FOP specialist, GP, or healthcare professional, please contact FOP Friends and we will be happy to send you printed copies.
Compassion in Dying
Compassion in Dying is an organisation dedicated to supporting and helping people to make and control their own end-of-life decisions.
There is a wealth of information to help people begin to plan and record their wishes. They believe that a good life should include a good death. They have developed their service by listening to the voices of those they have supported.
They cover all the key topics and explain things in an honest and accessible way. Resources are available and free to download. There is also a telephone service and they can help people to record their wishes online.
Download a Planning Ahead guide here: Planning Ahead
Order a living will (advance decision) pack here: Living Will
Contact their nurse-led information helpline here: Nurse Team
www.compassionindying.org.uk/
ReSPECT from the Resuscitation Council
The ReSPECT process creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care and treatment in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices.
These recommendations are created through conversations between a person, their families, and their health and care professionals to understand what matters to them and what is realistic in terms of their care and treatment.
The ReSPECT website has a range of resources for patients, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The ReSPECT process is increasingly being adopted within health and care communities around the UK.
www.resus.org.uk/respect
NHS: End of Life Care
The NHS has information regarding end of life care. Their pages cover a range of topics and are aimed at people who are approaching the end of their life. Some parts of it may be helpful to those who are caring for someone who is dying. There is also information for people who want to plan for their own end of life care.
It covers practical topics and information about legal considerations such as lasing power of attorney.
There is also information about how to look after your wellbeing.
What is end of life care?
Planning ahead
Your wellbeing
Age UK
Age UK offers a range of information about planning for the end of life. This includes writing a Power of Attorney, making a will, financial advice, as well as guidance on writing a living will (advance decisions).
They have produced a helpful guide: Advance decisions, advance statements and living wills, which can be downloaded for free.
www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning/
Hospice UK
Hospice UK have a range of resources available for free download to support you with tough conversations with friends and family.
They have a series of leaflets to help people deal with different aspects of death, dying and bereavement.
There are also resources and book suggestions to help families talk to children about dying.
Hospice UK has developed a ‘Planning Ahead‘ tool to help guide people through the process and think about their choices ahead of time. You can launch the tool here: Planning Ahead.
