Why It’s Essential to Have a Say in Your Healthcare
Your health is one of the most personal aspects of your life—and your voice should be at the center of every decision related to it. Regardless of your age, current health status, or life circumstances, speaking up about your healthcare decisions ensures that your values, preferences, and wishes are honored—especially during times when you may not be able to advocate for yourself.
Planning ahead for unforeseen health emergencies helps protect your autonomy and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. One of the most impactful steps you can take is to engage in advance care planning, a process that enables you to make your wishes known before a crisis arises.
April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day
Observed annually on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proactive healthcare conversations. Falling just one day after Tax Day, this date was intentionally chosen to remind Americans of Benjamin Franklin’s famous words: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” The goal is to prompt individuals and families to review, reflect on, and document their healthcare preferences.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning involves communicating your preferences for future healthcare treatments in the event that you’re unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes expressing your views on what constitutes an acceptable quality of life, whether or not you want life-prolonging treatments, and who you would want to make decisions on your behalf.
According to Robin Maracle, AGCNS-BC, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at Bayhealth, “Advance care planning allows you to share with family, friends, and your healthcare team what you consider quality of life and your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments if you encounter a serious or terminal illness. The goal is to ensure that your wishes are met and to give your medical decision-makers guidance about your preferences.”
Why Many Americans Aren’t Talking—Yet Should
A 2018 survey conducted by The Conversation Project—an initiative by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement—revealed that while 92% of Americans believe it’s important to talk about end-of-life care, only 32% have actually done so. This gap leaves many families unprepared when emergencies arise and decisions must be made under stress or uncertainty.
By embracing conversations about advance directives and end-of-life preferences, you empower your loved ones and relieve them of the burden of guessing what you would want.
How to Start the Conversation: 5 Practical Tips
Starting a conversation about your healthcare wishes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are five key strategies recommended by Robin Maracle:
1. Take It One Step at a Time
You don’t have to address everything in one sitting. Spread out the conversations over time and revisit them periodically as your thoughts evolve.
2. Be Patient and Gentle
Understand that these discussions can be emotionally challenging. Some people may be hesitant or uncomfortable at first. Give them space and revisit the topic gently.
3. Focus on What Living Means to You
Discuss what quality of life means to you—what you value most and how you define meaningful living. This helps guide decisions beyond just medical treatments.
4. Document Your Wishes in Writing
Advance directives such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare allow you to legally express your wishes. Remember, these can be updated as long as you are mentally capable.
5. Make It Easier for Your Decision-Makers
Clear communication now will ease the burden on your loved ones later. If they know what you want, they’ll have the confidence to advocate on your behalf during a difficult time.
Resources to Help You Navigate Advance Care Planning
You’re not alone in this process. Several resources provide step-by-step guides, printable forms, and conversation starters, including:
-
The Conversation Project (theconversationproject.org)
-
Five Wishes
-
National Institute on Aging
-
CaringInfo.org by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
These platforms are designed to help you and your loved ones navigate emotionally complex topics with clarity and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is National Healthcare Decisions Day?
National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed every April 16 to encourage Americans to discuss their healthcare preferences and complete advance care directives.
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It includes documents like a living will or a healthcare power of attorney.
Who should I talk to about my healthcare decisions?
Start with your close family, trusted friends, and healthcare providers. It’s also important to legally designate someone to speak on your behalf if you can’t.
Can I change my healthcare decisions later?
Yes. As long as you are of sound mind, you can revise your advance directive at any time. It’s a good idea to review it regularly.
Where can I find help to start the conversation?
Resources like The Conversation Project, CaringInfo.org, and the National Institute on Aging offer free guides, forms, and tools to help begin the process.
