Definition
A written document that lets people know what a person’s wishes, feelings and preferences are about their future care and support, in case they become unable to communicate them. It may also be included in a person’s support plan.
It can cover any aspect of their care and support, such as where they want to live and how they like to do things. A person can write it themself, with support from their family, friends, doctor and anyone else they wish. It isn’t a legal document, but it may help a person get the care and support they want. It is different to an ‘advance decision’ about medical treatment, which is a decision a person can make now about whether they want a particular type of treatment in the future.