It’s Never Too Early to Plan for the Future
It’s Never Too Early to Plan for the Future
Jenny Watt, ACP Programme manager for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
At the heart of Anticipatory Care Planning (ACP) is a conversation about what matters to you and what you would like to happen in the future. It can cover a range of topics from where you might live, if you can no longer safely live by yourself, to what types of treatments or interventions you would or would not like to receive, and everything else in between. It might contain information about upcoming life events you are excited about, or who could look after the dog if you became unwell. It might outline certain rituals that bring you comfort, or activities which can offer your mind and soul restoration. Just as every one of us is unique, so too are our plans.
However, the beauty of an anticipatory care plan lies in the fact that it grows around you. As conversations build, as situations change, the plan can adapt to reflect your current thoughts and feelings. And whilst we cannot plan for every eventuality, in times of crisis, when someone may not be able to speak for themselves, these plans can provide certainty and reassurance. It guides decisions by providing a full and rounded picture of a person - their life, preferences and motivations. It helps to answer the question “what would someone chose for themselves?”
So how do you begin to plan for the future? The good news is there are lots of tools out there to help you get started. The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Planning for Care webpages (www.nhsggc.scot.planningcare) contains lots of information including leaflets and even a template ACP Summary which you can access. However lots of third sector organisations and condition specific charities have their own versions too. The important thing is finding something that works for you and then take things step by step.
First of all, think.
This is the most important part, so give yourself time and space to consider what is important to you. You may also want to think about some other questions like:
Why are these things important to you and what are your motivations?
Who is important to you and how would you like them to be involved in any discussions? This may also lead you to think about Power of Attorney (again lots of information available on the NHSGGC Planning Care webpages).
Where would you like to be at different times in your life? This might be about where you would want to live in future, or maybe about where you might like to be when you die.
And lastly how are things just now? Do you have any health concerns and how are you coping with daily tasks?
There are some other things that you may wish to think about as well, and we recommend checking out the NHSGGC “DISCUSS” Guides for some inspiration.
Next up we need to talk.
This means talking to your friends, family and any professionals involved in your care. By doing this we make sure everyone is on the same page and we all have realistic expectations about what the future may look like.
And finally we plan.
Depending on where you live, different Health Boards will use different pathways and systems to ensure that your wishes and preferences are recorded and shared with other professionals who need to know. If you are not sure what the local process is, begin by talking with your GP or any Health and Social Care teams who you are already engaged with. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
But it’s not just the professionals who need to know. Make sure you also share a copy of plans with family, particularly if they are also your Power or Attorney. Just think, if you were in their position what information would you find useful if you had to make any decisions?
So there we go, in three simple steps you have prepared for the future. And whilst no one knows what lies ahead, at least we have the confidence that whatever may come, we have a guide to help us plan.
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