News & Blog

Later life care, and the choices you have

17th May 2018

A mental and physical decline in retirement is a major factor to consider when planning for the future.

End of life care’ – what is it and what does it involve?

‘End of life care’ provides support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. Its purpose is to help you live well and dignified until you die. It is the duty of those who provide this care to ask you about your wishes and preferences and take these into account as they work with you to plan your care. It is also their responsibility to offer support to those closest to you, including family and carers.

You have the right to choose where you would like to receive care and where you want to die, depending on your needs and preferences. This means you can receive end of life care at home or in care homeshospices or hospitals. When you are approaching the end of your life, you are entitled to high-quality care, regardless of where you’re being cared for. Depending on your needs, those involved in helping you will vary from different health and social care professionals. Hospital doctors and nurses, your GP, community nurses, hospice staff and counsellors may all be involved, as well as social care staff, chaplains (of all faiths or none), physiotherapists, occupational therapists or complementary therapists. Download our factsheet to find out more about planning for long-term care.

Planning ahead – asking someone to manage your affairs

If you want to, or are already preparing for the future, there is a lot you can do to give you and your family more security regarding your care and wellbeing. For example, you can create a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’, which involves other people that you trust making important decisions for you if you are unable to do so. They allow you to plan ahead and choose people who could take control of your financial and/or welfare affairs if you become unable or unwilling to manage them yourself.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly. By appointing someone as your attorney, you are giving them significant power over your financial affairs and possibly your welfare too. In many cases, they will be able to make decisions such as whether to sell your home – sometimes without consulting you. They may also be asked to make decisions about medical treatment on your behalf. You need someone who you trust to always act in your best interest – such as a close family member or friend who understands the responsibility of the role.

People usually prepare a Power of Attorney because they have a condition that is expected to get worse, and they wish to prepare for a time when they may not be able to make or communicate their decisions. However, anyone can plan for their future care, whether they are approaching the end of life or not. Doing so now can let people know your wishes and feelings while you’re still able to.

It’s important and beneficial for you to plan ahead and prepare, as it means you’ll be able to receive the care you want. It can also help to make things easier for your partner and family when you are nearing the end of life. For instance, would your partner or family know about the kind of care you would like to receive, or where you would like to die? Would they know if you would want to be admitted to the hospital, or resuscitated, or if you want to refuse certain kinds of treatment?

These might not be easy topics to think about, but by discussing your wishes with your family you could be saving them from having to help doctors make difficult decisions later.


Source:

https://www.nhs.uk/Planners/end-of-life-care/Pages/End-of-life-care.aspx

Call us and one of our team will be happy to help or arrange a call back
Meet Our Team

Speak to a practical and experienced financial advisor

Get in touch with a member of our team

Meet Our Team
Get in Touch

Find out more about our range of service.

For further details please contact us.

Get in Touch
Visit Us

We have locations in both London and the North East

Newcastle | Richmond | Northallerton | London | Swanley | Hertfordshire | Camberley

Visit Us

Regulatory Statement

Gale and Phillipson Investment Services Ltd, Gale and Phillipson Advisory Services Ltd, Gale and Phillipson General Financial Services Ltd and Gale and Phillipson (SE London) Ltd are all authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference Numbers 431387, 142752, 195080, 195522).  Gale and Phillipson (Herts) Ltd and Gale and Phillipson Consulting Ltd are appointed representatives of Gale and Phillipson Advisory Services Ltd.  Gale and Phillipson (Surrey) Ltd is an appointed representative of Gale and Phillipson Investment Services Ltd. (Reference Numbers 615821, 811525, 703337). All companies trade under the name Gale and Phillipson and are registered in England and Wales numbers 05409822, 02232959, 03751076, 04077157, 08864945 and 04823391.  Registered office for all companies is Gallowfields House, Fairfield Way, Richmond, DL10 4TB.

Cookie
Policy