Thinking ahead, planning ahead, sharing your wishes….
There may be times in your life when you wonder about what would happen if you were to become seriously ill.
It may be at a time of ill health or as a result of a life-changing event. It may simply be because you are the sort of person who likes to plan ahead.
Planning ahead can help you, your partner, friends or relatives and your doctor know your wishes, and can allow time for practical issues to be sorted out. It helps to know what sort of treatments you would consider and what you would like to avoid.
If it was felt that you had a limited time to live this time would be very precious. Thinking about what would be important to you can enable plans to be put in place so this can be achieved, this allows you to be in control and it can also be a comfort to those who care for you, knowing that they are supporting your wishes. What would be important to you may include what sort of care you would like and where you would like to be when time is short. Not everyone will choose to have a conversation about their wishes and that is fine.
It can help to write down your wishes and preferences for future care and treatment.
These conversations can be recorded and shared on a form called ReSPECT (Recommended summary plan for emergency care and treatment).
Planning ahead can reduce stress and help ease anxiety for you and your loved ones.
Planning ahead is sometimes called Advance Care Planning.
Plan for tomorrow – live for today
Is it time to share your wishes?…
If you would like to know more about this…
- Speak to your nurse or doctor
- Take a look at the leaflets and booklets in the Leeds Cancer Information Centre (Level 1, Bexley Wing, St James’s University Hospital)
- Pick up a ‘Planning for your future care’ booklet and a ‘ReSPECT’ leaflet available in the outpatient department or the ward information leaflet racks
- Ask your Health Care Professional about the ReSPECT process: www.resus.org.uk/respect
… start a conversation