End of life care planning

Advance Care Plans (ACPs) can help you prepare for the future. It’s a discussion between you and those who provide care for you, for example your nurses, doctors, care home manager or family members. If you are living with a serious illness or disability, you may wish to record your preferences and wishes for future care and treatment, particularly if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

The ReSPECT process supports patients to consider what treatment and care they might want in an emergency, at a time when they may not be able to make decisions or express their wishes. The ReSPECT plan, agreed with your healthcare professionals and other people important to you, always stays with you, whether that’s at home or elsewhere. Ambulance crews, out-of-hours doctors, care home staff and hospital staff can make quicker decisions about how best to help you if they see your ReSPECT form in an emergency. Visit www.resus.org.uk (search ‘ReSPECT’).

What to do when someone dies

For instructions on what to do after someone dies, visit www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies/ You may be able to use the Tell Us Once service to report a death to most Government organisations in one go, making it easier for you at what is a very difficult time. Visit the website above and select ‘Tell government about the death’. For more information about how to register a death, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk (search ‘register a death’).

How do I return equipment?

If equipment is on loan to you from the council, help support other people by making contact as soon as possible to arrange collection when you have items you no longer require. This is so that they can be cleaned, refurbished and used by others.

Where can I return equipment?

You can return equipment to the Hempsted and Mitcheldean sites from 8.30am to 4.30pm. You can also drop off small pieces of equipment at:

• Shire Hall Members Car Park, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2TG.

• Forest Locality Office, Dean House, Station Street, Cinderford GL14 2JF.

• Stroud Locality Office, Redwood House, Beeches Green, Stroud GL5 4AE.

• Cotswold Locality Office, The Old School, 47 Lewis Lane, Cirencester GL7 1EB.

• Several libraries.

Arrange collection

Fill in the online form at https://forms.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ GISContactForm

Alternatively, email GISHealthcareCustomerServ@gloucestershire. gov.uk or call 01452 520438 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

Useful websites

Dying Matters promotes awareness of dying, death and bereavement. The website has a comprehensive support section. Visit www.dyingmatters.org/overview/need-support NHS Gloucestershire can support a patient and their family at the end of life. Visit www.nhsglos.nhs.uk (search ‘end of life care’).