Advance care planning

Abstract

People with progressive neurological disease face many challenges and changes in their condition - both physical and cognitive. Advance care planning allows the person to make their wishes known, while they are still able to do so. If they are not able to make decisions for themselves later in the disease progression, due to loss of communication or loss of capacity due to cognitive changes, those involved in their care can be aware of these wishes and plan care appropriately. In this way advance care planning allows clearer decision-making for all concerned - the person with the neurological condition, their family and carers, and the professionals involved in their care.