Lanarkshire residents are being encouraged to give themselves some peace of mind during 2016 and NHS Lanarkshire’s Sheila Steel says she knows how.

Sheila is project manager for NHS Lanarkshire’s Anticipatory Care Plan and Power of Attorney (ACP/PoA) programme and says that thinking about your future health, social and personal care will give you and your loved ones peace of mind throughout 2016 and beyond.

Sheila said: “An Anticipatory Care Plan is a document compiled by an individual which records how they would like to be cared for in the event of them becoming ill and not being able to communicate with family or friends.

“The plan is a record of the conversation between the individual and their loved ones which maps out that person’s wishes and choices should they be faced with a situation where they are unable to communicate these.

“Power of Attorney (PoA) is a written document – which includes a certificate signed either by a solicitor who is registered to practice law in Scotland or by a UK medical doctor – which lets you plan what you want another person to do for you in the future, should you become incapable of making decisions about your own affairs.”

She continued: “We all naturally hope for the best for ourselves and loved ones, but unexpected events can happen and having an ACP and PoA in place can make an unforeseen situation that bit more manageable for everyone involved and ensure your care and affairs will be looked after in the way you would wish them to be.”

The campaign to encourage all Lanarkshire residents to start the conversation about ACP/PoA, is in partnership with North and South Lanarkshire Councils, Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

It comes at a vital time as health and social care integrate and complements the integration aim of having the right support at the right time in the right place.

The campaign is also supported by the Equals Advocacy Partnership (EAP).

EAP service manager Brenda Vincent, said: “Our work with NHS Lanarkshire will not only ensure we continue to raise awareness and increase the uptake of ACP/PoA, it will also allow older adults, carers and younger people to plan for the future and to have ownership of their own journey.

“People should also remember that they can amend their ACP and change their mind at any time.”

To find out more about ACP and PoA, visit: www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk

Put the power in your hands:  Pictured above are Anne Bannachan from The Alpha Project and John Young at an ACP/PoA awareness session in the Cornerstone drop in café in Cumbernauld.