This is a summary term embracing a range of written and/or recorded oral expressions, by which people can, if they wish, write down or tell people about their wishes or preferences in relation to future treatment and care, or explain their feelings, beliefs and values that govern how they make decisions. They may cover medical and non-medical matters. They are not legally binding but should be used when determining a person’s best interests in the event they lose capacity tomake those decisions.
Preferred Priorities for Care (PPC): Version 2 developed by the National PPC Review Team, December 2007 can help the patient prepare for the future. It gives them an opportunity to think about, talk about and write down their preferences and priorities for care at the end of your life.
Weston Hospice have been working with patients and their carers to develop a guide which is designed to facilitate discussions about future care. It is often found that starting to talk about hopes and fears at the end of life can be a relief for patients and their families. It is desirable that these issues are broached in advance of a crisis. Clearly everyone is different regarding whether this is something they feel able to think and talk about, and patient wishes for this must be respected.
(Weston Hospicecare, 2008)
Leaflets include:
* Preferred Priorities for Care - your advanced wishes
* Putting your affairs in order and making a will
* Appointing someone to make decisions for you in the future
* Writing an advance decision
These leaflets have been put together by professionals working in palliative care and are designed to help you think ahead and to practically help you make any arrangements or decisions in advance of a crisis.
(Weston Hospicecare, 2008)
