Healthcare is one of the most personal aspects of life, and every individual deserves to have their voice heard when it comes to medical decisions. Whether you’re young and healthy or facing chronic illness, speaking up about your healthcare preferences is crucial. From choosing treatments to determining your end-of-life care, your voice should guide the care you receive.
Each year, April 16 is recognized as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) — a day dedicated to raising awareness about advance care planning and encouraging conversations around medical preferences before a crisis occurs.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about the healthcare you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These choices are typically documented in an advance directive, which can include a living will and a medical power of attorney.
This planning is not just for the elderly or those with serious illnesses. Unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen at any time, making it important for everyone—regardless of age or health status—to think about and share their healthcare wishes.
Why You Should Speak Up Now
According to The Conversation Project, a national initiative to promote advance care conversations, 92% of Americans believe it’s important to discuss end-of-life care, but only 32% have actually done so. This gap highlights a common issue: most people want to plan, but they don’t know how to start the conversation.
Speaking up about your healthcare decisions:
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Ensures your values and preferences are respected.
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Reduces stress and confusion for your loved ones.
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Helps medical providers deliver care that aligns with your goals.
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Gives clarity and confidence to your healthcare proxy.
National Healthcare Decisions Day: A Reminder to Plan Ahead
Founded in 2008, National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as an annual reminder to review or create your advance care plan. Its timing—right after Tax Day—is inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”
The idea is simple: once you’ve dealt with your taxes, take a moment to think about your healthcare wishes and make sure they’re documented and communicated with your loved ones.
5 Expert Tips for Having Conversations About Advance Care Planning
Robin Maracle, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care at Bayhealth, offers practical advice for starting these conversations.
1. Take It One Step at a Time
You don’t need to discuss every detail in one sitting. Start with what matters most to you and revisit the conversation over time.
2. Be Patient and Persistent
Some family members may be hesitant to talk about difficult topics like illness or death. That’s okay. Keep trying in gentle, compassionate ways.
3. Focus on Your Quality of Life
Advance care planning isn’t just about dying — it’s about how you want to live. Share what makes life meaningful to you.
4. Know That Your Wishes Can Change
You’re not locked into one decision forever. As long as you’re mentally sound, you can update your advance directives at any time.
5. Document Your Wishes Clearly
A conversation is important, but written documentation like a living will or durable power of attorney gives legal authority and clarity.
What to Include in Your Advance Directive
An advance directive is a legal document that guides your medical care if you’re unable to communicate. It may include:
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Living Will: Specifies the types of medical treatment you want or do not want.
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Healthcare Proxy/Power of Attorney: Names someone to make decisions on your behalf.
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Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders: Indicates whether you want CPR if your heart stops.
These documents help ensure your care aligns with your beliefs, and they reduce the burden on your family during stressful times.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Don’t hesitate to involve your doctor or care team in the discussion. They can provide valuable insight, help explain medical options, and assist with completing forms. Some healthcare facilities even offer advance care planning consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is National Healthcare Decisions Day?
National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) is an annual event that encourages people to plan ahead and document their healthcare preferences in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
2. Who needs an advance directive?
Everyone, regardless of age or current health, should have an advance directive. Life can change in an instant, and having your preferences documented ensures your wishes are respected.
3. Can I change my advance directive later?
Yes. You can revise or revoke your advance directive at any time, as long as you are mentally competent to do so.
4. What’s the difference between a living will and a healthcare proxy?
A living will outlines what kind of medical treatments you want. A healthcare proxy appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself.
5. How do I start a conversation about healthcare decisions with my family?
Begin by talking about what quality of life means to you. Use resources like The Conversation Project to guide the discussion and start small—every talk helps.
