Planning for your future not only
makes sure your wishes will be respected but that your family and loved ones are taken care of and supported
at a very difficult time. You can also really support your family by writing a will; planning your funeral
and putting into place a power of attorney for someone to look after your affairs should you become
incapable of making decisions for yourself.
The following websites and guides provide information and advice about arrangements that can be made ahead of time if, in the future, you are unable to make these decisions yourself.
Planning for your future care
This guide from the ‘end of life care for adults’ website provides a simple explanation about advance care planning and the different options open to you and your family.
Talk to loved ones about your wishes
Dying Matters aim to help people start the dialogue with loved ones about death and dying.
Preferred Priorities of Care
Setting out your preferred priorities of care (also known as PPC) can help you prepare for the future. It gives you an opportunity to think about, talk about and write down your preferences and priorities for care at the end of your life.
Making a will
By making a will you can decide what happens to your property and possessions after your death. Although you do not have to make one by law, it is the best way to make sure your estate is passed on to family and friends exactly as you wish.
Power of attorney
If for any reason, anyone becomes incapable of making decisions for themselves, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives another person or persons the right to make decisions on their behalf regarding finances or welfare.
Arranging your own funeral
Arranging your own funeral can help to make sure that your wishes are taken into account after you are gone, such as where you want to be buried or where you'd like your ashes to be placed. This factsheet from AgeUK discusses making arrangements in advance for your own or someone else's funeral.
Advance decisions and living wills
A living Will is a statement expressing your views on how you would or would not like to be treated if you are unable to make decisions about your treatment yourself at the relevant time in the future.
Become an organ donor
Donating your body to science
- Facing bereavement - information on donating your body to medical science
- www.hta.gov.uk - The Human Tissues Authority
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts: Death and dying- useful contact details and telephone numbers
eMail:
Telephone:
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address:
In Person:
DX:
Last updated: 11 May 2011
Join us on Facebook
Join us on Twitter