Concerning care planning, it is important to consider the possibility that there may come a time when you find yourself unable to make decisions about your care for yourself. This is not limited to simply making the decision but also understanding and communicating wishes and preferences.
An advance statement is a written statement outlining your healthcare preferences, wishes, beliefs and values, which can be used to guide your care provision if you are no longer able to make decisions. Being aware that this service is available is integral to the care planning process. No one can predict what will happen in the future, but this is one way to ensure that your care is in your control and that when it isn’t, it can be carried out by someone you trust under exact instructions.
The purpose of an advance statement
An advance statement is a written statement that outlines your healthcare preferences, wishes, beliefs, and values. This statement is not legally binding, but it acts as a guide to a loved one, or someone you trust who might have to make decisions on your behalf. An advance statement is referred to, by those handling your care, if you lose the mental capacity to make or communicate your decisions.
An advance statement is not to be confused with an advance decision or directive. An advance directive is legally binding and is typically used to refuse certain medical treatments that may be offered in the future.
What does an advance statement include?
Some examples of the things you may wish to incorporate in an advance statement include:
- Whether you’d prefer to be cared for at home or in care home
- Your food and drink preferences
- Whether you take baths or showers
- Your personal beliefs and values and how they affect your daily life and care
- The things you enjoy doing, such as hobbies and interests
- Who to consult about your care
- Who is allowed to visit you
- Anything you do not want to happen to you
An advance statement does not have to be written out in a specific format, but you can get a template online to make writing one easier. There is no legal need for this document to be signed, it is advisable to sign and date it to confirm that it represents your wishes.
Once written, signed, and dated, it is also a good idea to hand one copy over to your GP and other medical practitioners involved in your care so it can be recorded with your medical notes.
Why is an advance statement important?
If you are unable to communicate your wishes and preferences to everyone involved in your care, an advance statement ensures that they are clear about them regardless.
Why an advance statement is so important?
An advance statement forms an important part of your care planning. That’s because not only does this document make sure that your care is in your control, but it also lessens the burden on loved ones. With an advance statement, your loved ones do not have to second guess what your wishes and preferences for care are or make any difficult decisions without your help.
What’s more, you can relax knowing that no matter what the future holds, you have set out your preferences for your care and your loved ones, carers and healthcare team are all aware of them, too.
The benefits of an advance statement
Advance statements are helpful written documents that should be included as part of the care planning process.
The benefits of writing an advance statement include:
- Loved ones are clear on your wishes and preferences
- Reduces feelings of worry for the individual
- Lessens the burden of planning care on someone else’s behalf without their input
- It can be as thorough or simple as you like
- Personal preferences such as foods, drinks and activities can be included
- Useful for any healthcare practitioners involved in your care
- Outlines any medical treatments you do not want
- Can be in line with religious or personal beliefs
How Country Cousins can help
If live-in care forms part of your or your loved one’s care plan, an experienced home carer can assist in carrying out your care preferences and wishes in line with your advance statement. At Country Cousins, we provide expert live-in care that adheres to the care needs and personal preferences of each individual using the service.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one in line with their personal preferences and wishes. For more information on selecting live-in care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to live-in care.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
