April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day
April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day
“…nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin
National Healthcare Decisions Day is recognized each year on April 16 – the day after the date traditionally known as tax day in America. It is a way to engage the American public in conversations that encourage people to think about their own personal wishes for their healthcare. The goal of National Healthcare Decisions Day is getting people to plan ahead, document those plans, and let loved ones know their wishes.
When it comes to medical care and treatment, most people feel better when they participate in these decisions. This is especially true when it comes to the healthcare and medical interventions you wish to receive or not receive. Wishes are personal and extremely important, but they need to be known to be honored.
To avoid uncertainty, get a legally binding Advance Healthcare Directive for peace of mind. Advance Directives ensure that individuals’ healthcare preferences are respected, provide clarity for family and medical professionals, and can help avoid difficult decisions during a crisis.
Creating an Advance Directive requires thoughtful consideration. It is part of a process that involves thinking about your future medical care and talking with those who are close to you about how you want to live during a serious illness. The sooner you begin planning, the sooner you and your loved ones will have a clear understanding of what you want.
The most important thing to remember is that as difficult as this conversation may be, it would be even more difficult for your loved ones to make those decisions for you, without knowing what you would and would not have wanted.
You accomplish at least two things by completing advance directives, regardless of whether you direct all possible treatment, no treatment or only some treatment. First, you ensure that the treatment you receive is the treatment you desire – no more and no less. Second, you take the burden off your family and friends to make those decisions for you, at a time when they will most likely be emotionally upset by your critical condition or serious illness.
Key Takeaways
· Advance Directives communicate your preferred medical treatment at the time of mental or physical incapacity.
· If you cannot communicate and do not have Advance Directives, your medical care is based on state medical default practices.
· You should communicate your living wishes to family members.
To access the form, go to:
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive.