2.7 Explain role of the care worker in the advance care planning process and sources of support available

This guide will help you answer 2.7 Explain role of the care worker in the advance care planning process and sources of support available.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process where a person discusses and records their wishes for future health and care. It helps to make sure their preferences are known if they cannot speak for themselves in the future. This may be due to illness, injury, or declining mental capacity.

It often involves conversations between the individual, their family, and health or social care professionals. The aim is to make decisions in advance so there is clarity about the person’s care needs and preferences.

ACP can include:

• The type of medical treatment wanted or not wanted
• Preferred place of care, such as home, hospice, or residential care home
• Religious or cultural beliefs affecting care
• Who should be involved in making decisions if the person cannot

The care worker plays an important role in supporting this process, even if they are not the one making the decisions.

Role of the Care Worker in Advance Care Planning

Care workers may not lead the ACP process, but they are central to making it happen in a person-centred way. Their role focuses on communication, support, and practical help.

Building Trust and Rapport

The person is more likely to share their wishes with someone they trust. The care worker spends regular time with the person and understands their routine, preferences, and values. This relationship helps create an open space for meaningful conversations.

Listening and Observing

The care worker listens actively to what the person says about their preferences. They notice body language, behaviour, and mood changes that could show how the person feels about their care. These observations can be shared with supervisors or health professionals to inform the ACP process.

Promoting the Person’s Voice

The care worker supports the person to express their wishes clearly. This may mean encouraging them to speak directly to a nurse, GP, or social worker. If the person struggles to speak up, the care worker can share relevant information on their behalf, with their consent.

Providing Information

While care workers do not give medical advice, they can explain what ACP is and who the person can speak to for more detailed answers. They can give brochures or direct the person to trusted sources within the organisation.

Respecting Choice

The care worker’s role is to respect what the person wants, not to influence them. This can be challenging if the worker personally disagrees with the choice, but professional boundaries mean putting the person first.

Recording and Reporting

If the organisation’s procedure allows, the care worker may write notes about the conversation and pass this to the relevant professional. Accurate record-keeping avoids confusion and ensures that all staff are aware of the person’s wishes.

Supporting Emotional Needs

Advance Care Planning can bring up strong emotions such as fear, sadness, or anxiety. The care worker offers calm reassurance and understanding.

Ways this can be done include:

• Sitting with the person to provide comfort and a listening ear
• Using a gentle and respectful tone
• Allowing the person to take their time in conversations
• Avoiding rushing or pressuring them to decide immediately

This emotional support helps the person feel valued and respected.

Communication Skills in Advance Care Planning

Good communication is key. In ACP, the care worker should:

• Use plain, non-technical language
• Check the person has understood
• Give time for questions
• Be aware of cultural or language needs
• Use interpreters if needed
• Be sensitive to hearing or speech difficulties

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and promotes trust.

Recording Advance Care Plans

The care worker may not write the ACP themselves, but they can help record basic information for the professional team. This could include:

• The date a conversation took place
• Who was present
• Main points discussed
• Any concerns the person raised

This record helps everyone involved to have the same information, reducing the risk of mistakes in care delivery.

Supporting Families in ACP

Families can have a big influence on decision-making. Care workers may:

• Encourage family members to listen to the person’s wishes
• Help arrange meetings between the family and professionals
• Remain neutral and not take sides in disagreements
• Share signs that family members are struggling with the idea of ACP so they get extra support

This keeps the planning process focused on the person’s values.

Respecting Confidentiality

The care worker must protect personal information about ACP discussions. This means:

• Keeping written notes secure
• Only sharing information with authorised people such as health professionals
• Not discussing ACP details with friends or other residents

Confidentiality follows the law under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the organisation’s policies.

Sources of Support in Advance Care Planning

Many people and services can support ACP. The care worker should know where to direct the person for help.

Key sources include:

• GP or Nurse – Can explain treatment options and answer health-related questions.
• Specialist Palliative Care Teams – Offer advice for people with life-limiting illnesses.
• Social Workers – Help with care services, housing, and legal arrangements.
• Advocates – Speak up for the person if they find it hard to express themselves.
• Religious or Spiritual Leaders – Provide guidance on decisions based on faith.
• Family and Friends – Offer emotional and practical support.
• Charities and Support Groups – Give information and connect people with others in a similar situation.

Practical Support from the Care Worker

Beyond emotional and communication support, the care worker can help with practical tasks to aid ACP. This could include:

• Booking appointments with the GP or solicitor
• Helping the person write questions for professionals
• Finding accessible information resources
• Arranging for interpreters or translators
• Making sure ACP documents are stored where they can be found in an emergency

These small actions make the process smoother and less stressful for the person.

Professional Boundaries in ACP

The care worker must remember that ACP is led by the individual, sometimes with guidance from qualified professionals. They must avoid:

• Giving personal medical opinions
• Forcing the person into decisions
• Making promises about medical outcomes

Keeping within their role ensures that the plan is accurate and based on professional advice.

Cultural Sensitivity in ACP

Cultural values can shape a person’s preferences for care. The care worker should:

• Show respect for the person’s beliefs and traditions
• Be aware that some cultures avoid talking about death directly
• Use interpreters where language is a barrier
• Involve family members if that is normal in the person’s culture

This improves the chance that the ACP reflects the person’s true wishes.

Legal Aspects of ACP

Some people make legally recognised documents as part of ACP, such as:

• Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)
• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare

While the care worker does not create these documents, they may help the person get in touch with the relevant professionals or organisations. They can also help store these documents safely.

Training and Supervision

Care workers need training on ACP so they understand their role and limits. Supervision from a line manager can help when they are unsure how to respond to a person’s wishes or questions. This reduces the risk of giving incorrect or inappropriate information.

Challenges in ACP for Care Workers

Some challenges may include:

• Emotional difficulty when talking about end-of-life matters
• Communication barriers due to language or disability
• Family disagreements about the person’s wishes
• Limited time to spend in conversations

The care worker can seek advice and support from supervisors or colleagues when facing these challenges.

Final Thoughts

The care worker’s role in advance care planning is to support, listen, record, and communicate the person’s wishes. They act as a trusted point of contact who can help make sure the care provided matches the person’s values and preferences.

By understanding their position in the process and knowing where to signpost the person for extra help, the care worker can make a real difference to the quality and respect given in planning for future care. This role is about putting the individual at the centre of decision-making, upholding their rights, and making sure their voice is heard even if they cannot speak for themselves later.