The following are quotes and tips from people like you living with COPD; A chum from our group came with me to see a lawyer about the legal stuff – it helped. Once I had talked about it (and done the forms!) – I felt so relieved – I could then forget about it all. […]
The following quotes are from people like you who are living with COPD. Just ask them (health care staff) how this diagnosis will affect your life span (and reassure them you really want to know). Don’t wait until you are ill to talk about the tricky stuff – do it well ahead. I found starting […]
Some people continue to make their own decisions right up to the final days. This is known as Capacity. Capacity means that you can act on and make your own decisions. Capacity means that you understand decisions, their implications and retain the memory of the decisions. You should always be asked about your care if […]
Have you made a will? In Scotland only 35% of people have a will. Who would inherit your money , possessions or property – known as your estate? Many people do not know that inheritance is not automatic if you have not made a will. It is not difficult and need not be expensive. The […]
You may just want to start with practical but important things like making a will or thinking about and discussing your wishes with those closest to you. You do not have to plan everything in one go. You can do it step by step over a period of time. You can change your mind and […]
It is difficult to bring up the subject of future care for fear of upsetting your loved ones. Each side wants to protect the other. They won’t feel comfortable about bringing up the conversation for fear of upsetting you. “you will be fine mum, no need to think about that now”. You could try starting […]
You are focussed on health and making the most of every day. Sometimes to stay well and independent you have to have conversations about your wishes, hopes and fears for the future and how you would like to be cared for if you become ill. Think of this as just another part of your self […]
What treatment would you want? What treatment would you not want? The most important medical and nursing care at the end of your life which you may want to discuss are : Symptom relief. To relieve your symptoms and to keep you comfortable. Pain relief. If needed, this will reduce your pain, reduce agitation and keep […]
There is no set time when an anticipatory care plan should be made, although it is best to think about what you want when you are well. The wrong time to do this is when you are ill, stressed or in the middle of an exacerbation or flare up. You do not have to plan everything […]
