Irish Hospice Foundation simplifies Advance Care Planning with Think Ahead

THINK AHEAD - WHAT IS IT? 

Think Ahead Planning Packs, developed by Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), are easy to read guides for patients, their families, and caregivers to start putting their affairs in order for their end of life. With Think Ahead, people can make their care wishes known, appoint somebody to act as their healthcare advocate, keep track of important documents, and more. In the 10 years since Think Ahead was initially launched, it has become a key advance care planning resource for people in Ireland. Planning ahead can reduce stress or anxiety people may feel when facing dying. Using Think Ahead can also reduce conflict between family members. Over 100,000 people have already received a version of Think Ahead through their GP, at events, or by ordering from IHF. 

WHAT ’S NEW IN THE REVISED AND EXPANDED THINK AHEAD PACK? 

My Personal Wishes and Care Plan booklet asks people completing the forms how they would like to be cared for, in the face of illness or injury. They can record where they would prefer to be - at home, in hospital, or hospice; what is important to them - such as having visitors, spiritual or religious beliefs, favourite music; as well as how to care for them. This document also allows patients to keep track of legal and financial information, and for the courageous - what type of funeral and after-death care they would prefer. My Advance Healthcare Directive booklet guides patients in how to refuse or request treatment for a later date, if some illness or injury means they cannot express their choices and they can appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. In the Medical Summary Form/leaflet, patients can summarise what has been detailed in their Think Ahead documents once completed and ask their healthcare team to make a copy for their medical file. This ensures that if the time comes, everybody who needs to know is already aware of a patient’s recorded choices. All enclosed in a handy folder for safe keeping.

TO LEARN MORE:  

IHF is running events on Think Ahead over the next few months where people can learn how to use Think Ahead packs and start conversations with their loved ones. Valerie Smith, IHF’s Public Engagement Lead knows talking about dying can be hard, “but talking about it can make dying and death less fear-filled, and a better experience for everyone.” 

For further information: 

Visit www.thinkahead.ie . Call IHF on (01) 679 3188. Email - thinkahead@hospice foundation.ie 

For training for your community or workplace, email Valerie.smith@hospicefoundation.ie or call (01) 963 1161

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