Planning for the future is sometimes called Advance Care Planning. It is a broad term that includes:
- Personal decisions
- Legal planning
- Healthcare choices
- Financial arrangements
Why it matters
Advance Care Planning is important for all adults, at any stage of life. It helps you:
- Think about what matters most to you
- Make your wishes known
- Support the people who are about you
You can choose what is right for you, and:
- Take things step by step
- Review your decisions regularly
- Update them as your circumstances change
Planning ahead is completely voluntary.
Learn more
The Department of Health provides information on the different areas you may want to consider.
This information is available in accessible formats such as: Easy Read, different languages, sign language and braille.
Read more about Advance Care Planning.
Watch: What planning ahead means.
This short video explains what planning ahead means, how it can support you and your family, and how to start important conversations.
Plan Ahead Resource
The ‘Your Life, Your Choices: Plan Ahead NI’ resource (available on the Compassionate Communities website) provides practical guidance for people in Northern Ireland.
It includes information on:
- Creating an Enduring Power of Attorney
- Writing an advanced care plan
- Making advance decisions to refuse treatment
- Writing a will
- Organ and tissue donation
- Funeral planning
It also includes helpful checklists and templates.
Learn more from the Compassionate Communities: Advanced Care Planning Resource Hub.
You can also request a printed booklet by calling the Macmillan Support Line -Telephone: 0808 808 0000.