What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning (ACPing) is a process that allows people to think about, talk about, and document their preferences for future care and treatment. It gives individuals the opportunity to share what matters most to them especially if a time comes when they are unable to communicate their wishes themselves.

In Care Homes, care planning helps ensure that the care provided is personal (person centred), respectful, and based on each resident’s values and goals.

Why Does It Matter?

As we age or live with complex health needs, decisions about care become more important. By documenting and sharing wishes it:

• Puts the person first:  Care is guided by the resident’s wishes, not assumptions.
• Reduces stress for families: Loved ones are not left guessing during difficult moments.
• Supports staff to give the right care: Teams know what matters to each resident.
• Avoids unnecessary hospital admissions: When wishes are clearly recorded, emergency services and GPs can make decisions that align with those preferences.

When Should Advance Care Plans be documented?

Advance Care Planning should take place throughout someone’s life. It is however vitally important that all Care Home residents have suitable Advance Care Planning documents created and shared. Care plans should be updated when:

• Someone moves into a care home and becomes a resident
• After a change in the resident’s health
• On specific dates agreed in advance, internally
• Any time a resident wants to review or update their wishes