3.7 Summary of section 3

In this section we examined the challenges you face in predicting the end of life in Parkinson’s, and discussed how to manage these challenges.

We then looked at the importance of advance care planning (ACP), including the issues around starting these conversations and what ACP should cover regarding a client’s wishes and preferences about their future care (including discussions about lasting power of attorney and Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment).

We also discussed the importance of person-centred care being fundamental to all healthcare decisions, and the importance of family and carers being involved in any healthcare decisions about the future care of their relative.

Reflective exercise

Use this exercise to assist you to reflect on choices which would be important to you and your family if you knew you were approaching the end of your life.

Reflect on which choices would be important to you if planning your end of life care, and write them in your reflective log.

Discussion

In your reflection you may have considered the following:

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"What decisions are important to me at end of life" Taken from Executive summary "What's important to me. A review of choice in End of Life Care" Feb 2015 This is a diagram of a person placed centrally surrounded by 7 word bubbles which depict what is important to a person at the end of life. Published by The Choice in End of Life Care Programme Board Feb 2015

What choices are important to me at the end of life and after my death?

• I want to be cared for, and die, in a place of my choice.
• I want involvement in, and control over, decisions about my care.
• I want access to high-quality care, given by well trained staff.
• I want access to the right services when I need them.
• I want support for my physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
• I want the right people to know my wishes at the right time.
• I want the people who are important to me to be supported and included in my care.