title: Advance care planning.
abstract: The continuing professional development article on advance care planning prompted reflection on my role as a nurse caring for older people, some of whom have progressive neurological conditions. Progression is often unpredictable and this uncertainty can cause considerable anxiety for patients and their families. Cognitive impairment can also affect the individual's ability to communicate.
authors.affiliation: Lourdes Community Nursing and Residential Home in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Briggs
mesh_terms: D032722:Advance Care Planning; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans