What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?

Advance Care Planning is a process that gives people a chance to think about and write down what is important to them. A person must have mental capacity to make an Advance Care Plan, and might find it helpful to talk to professionals about their care options. As part of the process, a person might choose to describe the type of care they would like at the end of their life.

Those who support patients to think about Advance Care Plans want to understand as much as possible about each individual’s needs, priorities and wishes. This helps professionals, as well as carers (family or friends), to understand what is important when planning care.

There are three ways someone can formalise an ACP discussion:

1. An Advance Statement is a written record that lets others know about a patient’s views and preferences. Although not legally binding, an advance statement is the easiest way to record wishes. An example of an advance statement is ‘My Future Care’. The ReSPECT form records preferences and recommendations for emergency situations, whatever stage of life you are at. For more detailed information, look at information under the ReSPECT button.
2. An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) is a way to refuse certain treatments. This used to be called a "living will”.
3. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a trusted person, named by the patient as chosen to act on their behalf with regard to finances or to make decisions about health care if the patient is unable to