Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Written requests and preferences made by a person with capacity conveying their wishes, beliefs and values for their future care should they lose capacity.

A written document that lets people know what your wishes, feelings and preferences are about your future care and support, in case you become unable to tell them. (It may also be included in your support plan.) It can cover any aspect of your care, such as where you want to live and how you like to do things. You can write it yourself, with support from your family, friends, doctor and anyone else you wish. It isn't a legal document, but it may help you get the care and support you want. It is different to an 'advance decision' about medical treatment, which is a decision you can make now about whether you want a particular type of treatment in the future. SEE ALSO: Support plan