Planning for the Future and Treatment Escalation Plans
There is a lot to consider when planning for the future, especially in the context of a long-term illness such as dementia or cancer, or if coping with any progressive, life-limiting illness which will shorten your life.
There are practical decisions and several choices available that you may not have previously needed to consider. It is up to you how much you wish to plan and what aspects, and whom you communicate with about them. Try to start with what matters most or what is most important to you right now.
Most of these signposted resources here and on the next pages offer a range of advice and ideas that can help, alongside having discussions with your health and social care team, other specialist such as solicitors, spiritual care advisors, funeral directors and of course, those close to you.
Hospice UK has planning ahead information and also an online tool for those who would like a step-by-step guide to thinking about what matters most.
Another downloadable or free hard copy booklet, Planning Ahead, from Compassion in Dying helps broaden understanding about decision-making and helps you to stay in control of decisions.
Change and Macmillan have designed an easy read booklet called Making decisions about the future if you are dying
A TEP form is a way of your healthcare professional recording your health information and individual treatment plan, focusing on which treatments may or may not be most helpful for you. This leaflet gives more information.