This short video is for people who are living with progressive illnesses, and who want to plan ahead and talk with their family or close friends about what’s important for them if their condition worsens. 

Professor Scott Murray (University of Edinburgh), Dr Sebastien Moine (Université Paris) and Dr Jordi Amblàs (University of Vic)

**Notes to accompany the video and video transcript available as ATTACHMENTS above.**

Introduction

• This short video is for people who are living with progressive illnesses, and who want to plan ahead and talk with their family or close friends about what’s important for them if their condition worsens. 
• This short video is also for people who are well just now but want to plan ahead and talk with their family or close friends about what’s important for them if they get a serious illness in the future.
• It can also help people, who care for someone with a long-term illness or frailty, know more about what might happen and what can help. This includes family carers and caregivers in care homes.
• The video talks about how people’s health changes as they get older, frailer or ill. These changes over time are called trajectories.
• The information is based on detailed research with patients, families, doctors, nurses and other health and care professionals about people’s experiences of living with declining health and dying.
• It is produced by a team of health professionals who care for people with many different life-limiting illnesses.
• The video has some ideas and suggestions about how to plan ahead and what professionals can do to help people. We recommend that you talk to your own doctor, nurse or carer about what this means for you. Each country has different legal requirements about health and care decision-making. Everyone is different so it is important to speak to someone who knows you and can help you and your family.

Some people find it helpful to think or talk about these questions after they watch this video:

1. Do I know enough about my own health or the health of the person I care for? 

2. After watching this video, what questions do I have for myself, my family, and the people who care for me (such as doctor, nurse, or professional caregiver)?

3. Who do I trust and could talk to about any worries and concerns I have since watching this video?

4. What really matters to me? What/ who brings me help and support when I am not feeling well? 

5. What kind of things/ events do I want to avoid? What causes me fear or worries in daily life?

6. What could I do myself to be more in control of my health and care?

7. Have I thought about choosing a few trusted people to make decisions about health or money/property if that is needed in the future? Do they know what I want and what they might need to do for me?  Have I written my wishes down clearly in an advance statement or another legal document like a ‘Power of Attorney’?

8. Do I have a will? This may make things easier for people after my death?

You may find useful information at:

Patient.co.uk   

NHS Inform

Good Life Good Death Good Grief         

Dying Matters

If you wish to use this video to lead a group discussion, please see the group discussion format version.