Who to designate for ACP? if no family. can we really trust the donee or caregiver to know us best? will they know our preferences? favorite food?

In Advance Care Planning, there are few expects you need to look in and it’s works hand in hand with LPA and AMD.

1. Who will be your Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS). If no family then perhaps you can appoint a good friend of yours that understands your living environment, habits and etc.

2. Job of your NHS is to represent you if you cannot speak for yourself. Your NHS speaks for you when you do not have the capacity to decide for yourself or to communicate your wishes.

3. NHS can be your donee or caregiver under LPA but you may appoint different individual too. Personally I think it’s good to appoint someone that know you well and they can serve as an eye to make sure you are well taken care by the donee or caregiver

4. ACP helps you to discuss and document matters related to your healthcare. It is a broad plan that May include extent treatment; pain control options and what to do should your heart suddenly stop.

5. AMD only kicks in when you are terminally ill AND on life sustaining treatment. AMD only helps you to avoid unnecessary prolonging the inevitable dying process. NHs is able to help you to Communicate your preferences in medical treatment in the event of non terminally ill And not on life sustaining treatment.

6. LPA only gives donee the rights to make decision on your behalf for your personal affairs and if it’s not someone that’s close or understand you, then NHS would be good in this way to help communicate with them by telling them what you like to eat and make arrangement for it. Also to tell them your preference like where to stay, who to stay with, daily lifestyle and healthcare decision.