It is important for all of us to think about the kind of care and treatment we would like in the future. This subject can be difficult to consider, and you might feel uncomfortable raising it with your loved ones, but it can bring great peace and open up some good discussions. Letting others know what matters to you can help you keep control over your care.

Importantly, health can change over time and may affect your ability to have conversations and make decisions when it matters most.

Advance care planning is a way to let people know what kind of care and treatment you would want to be given if you become too unwell to let them know yourself. It makes it more likely your wishes will be understood and followed. It allows you to make sure that if you need care, it is done in a way that you are comfortable with.

Decisions such as where you would like to be looked after, be it at home or in a hospital, or the types of treatment you would want or not want can all be discussed with those close to you and your healthcare team so that they know your wishes and do not have to make the decision for you.

Other things you can plan ahead for include writing a will, organ donation, funeral plans and even your digital accounts.

Talking about these subjects can be quite difficult, but it can make the future a lot easier and leave more time to spend with your loved ones.

If you are being supported by St Wilfrid’s, always talk to us about your care. Try asking yourself the question ‘what matters to me?’.