Advance care planning
Advance care planning helps you think about the care you would like in the future and what matters most to you. This might include where you would prefer to be cared for, your preferred place of death if you have one, and who should speak for you if you are unable to make decisions yourself. Your wishes can be recorded so that the people caring for you understand what is important to you. These plans are not fixed and can be reviewed or changed at any time.
Our team can help you explore your values, priorities, and concerns, understand the options available, and clearly record your wishes so they can be shared with the right people.
Where you would like to be cared for?
Many people have preferences about where they would feel most comfortable as their illness progresses. Some choose to remain at home, surrounded by familiar things and people, while others feel more at ease being cared for in a care home or at our hospice.
Thinking about where you would like to be cared for, and where you might prefer to die, can help your family and healthcare team plan the right support. Your preferences will always be considered alongside your care needs and the support available.
Choosing someone to make decisions for you
Some people decide to appoint a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This is called a lasting power of attorney.
The person you choose can make decisions about your health and care, or about finances and property, depending on the type of arrangement you make. We can guide you to reliable information and services if you would like to explore this further.
Funeral wishes and practical planning
Some people find it helpful to think about what they would like to happen after their death. This might include your funeral preferences, music, readings, or personal touches, whether you would prefer burial or cremation, and any cultural or religious wishes.
Recording these wishes can make things easier for the people close to you at a very difficult time. You may also want to consider writing or updating a Will, organising your financial affairs, and making a note of important documents or accounts
Talking with the people close to you
If starting these conversations feels difficult, our team can help guide and support you.
Emotional, practical, and spiritual support
Thinking about the future can bring up many emotions. You may have questions, worries, or simply need someone to talk things through with. At Farleigh Hospice, support is available for both patients and the people close to them. This can include pre-bereavement support for patients and families, spiritual care for people of all faiths or none, guidance around talking about death, dying, and grief, and practical advice about planning ahead and available options.
If you would like to talk about planning ahead or explore any of these topics, you can speak with your clinical nurse specialist, doctor, or nurse. You can also contact our Family Support Team, or speak with our chaplain or spiritual care team.
We are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you plan in a way that feels right for you.