Planning ahead can make things easier for you and the person you care for. Talking early about wishes, preferences and practical arrangements can help avoid stress later on and make sure the support someone receives reflects what matters most to them.

It can be reassuring to know there is a plan in place if you are suddenly unable to offer your usual support. For many carers, this might be asking a family member, friend or neighbour who is willing to step in.

You might also write down the support the person you care for needs. This helps others — including Adult Social Care — act in the person’s best interests if they need support at short notice.

You may want to consider having a carer’s assessment to establish if you are eligible to join the ‘Carers in Crisis’ emergency back-up scheme. This is a back-up scheme which helps the person you care for in an emergency, when you are suddenly unable to provide your usual support.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets someone choose a trusted person to make certain decisions if they cannot do this themselves in the future. There are LPAs for health and welfare and for property and financial matters.

The person you care for may also want to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney so that it is easier for your to make decisions for them if they can't do this for themselves in the future.

People on low incomes may be be able to apply for a reduced fee or you may be exempt from paying for the fee to register the Power of Attorney document if you receive certain means tested benefits.

You and the person yWriting a will helps you and the person you care for set out what you want to happen after you die. This includes choosing who will deal with money, belongings and practical matters on your behalf. Even if you do not think you have many possessions, a will is still helpful. It can make sure arrangements are clear and can include plans for a dependant who needs ongoing support. A solicitor can guide you through the process.

You can find our more about how to write a will on the Citizens Advice website. It also has lots of other advice about writing a will.

Planning ahead for end of life can bring emotional and practical benefits for the person and the people close to them. An Advance Statement is a voluntary document where someone writes down their wishes about future care, daily routines, personal preferences, faith or beliefs, and anything else that matters to them. It guides others so the support they receive reflects who they are.

This statement can be shared with health and social care teams and attached to medical notes.

If someone wants to refuse specific medical treatments in advance, they need an Advance Decision. This is legally binding if it meets the required criteria. [BCP Carer...Principles | Word] Cost and access

Advance Statements and Advance Decisions are free. You don’t need a solicitor to complete them.

Compassion in Dying has information about making informed decisions for the future.

Together Matters have lots of resources to help you plan for the future and think ahead.