Planning for your care
There may be times in your life when you think about what will happen if you become seriously ill or disabled.
Although this can be a difficult conversation to have, talking and planning ahead means that your wishes are more likely to be known to those closest to you.
This conversation may be prompted by:
- planning for your retirement
- just in case something unexpected happens
- a diagnosis of a serious or long term condition or being aware that you may have a limited time to live
- the death or serious illness of a spouse, partner, relative or friend
Suitability of your home
What would you do if you became less mobile and unable to cope with stairs or other tasks in the home?
You may want to:
- consider equipment - grab rails or other adaptations to your home like a stair lift or ramp access
- move to a smaller manageable property or bungalow that is more suited to your future needs and easier for you to get around
- feel safer and more supported by moving to an extra care scheme
Your own support network
Family and friends are most often the ones to turn to when you get older, become frail or ill.
Think about whom in your support network is able to help you, how close are they to you if you need to call on them.
Your preferences
Where you would like to be cared for? For example:
- in your own home (assuming it is suitable)
- in a hospital
- care home
- or at a hospice
Think about your preferences for different treatments or types of care that you might be offered.
As hard as it might be, think about where you would like to be cared for at the end of your life and who you would like to be with you.
Pets
There options available to help you look after your pets if you become ill, like hiring a dog walking service, or asking a member of family to help.
Cinnamon Trust (link opens in new window) is a national charity for helping the elderly or terminally ill with their pets.