Advance statement about your care wishes

An advance statement is a written statement that sets down your preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding your future care.

The aim is to provide a guide to anyone who might have to make decisions in your best interest if you have lost the ability to make or communicate decisions.

What does an advance statement cover?

An advance statement can cover any aspect of your future health or social care. This could include:

• how you want any religious or spiritual beliefs to be reflected in your care
• where you would like to be cared for, for example at home or in a hospital, a nursing home, or a hospice
• how you like to do things, for example if you prefer a shower instead of a bath, or like to sleep with the light on
• practical issues, for example who will look after your dog if you become ill

You can make sure people know about your wishes by talking about them.

By writing your advance statement down, you can help to make things clear to your family, carers and anybody involved in your care.

You can write it with support from relatives, carers, or health and social care professionals.

Find out more: Advanced Care Planning - NHS