April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day

Each year, April 16th marks National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), which is dedicated to encouraging individuals to take control of their healthcare future.¹ NHDD serves as a powerful reminder to engage in advance care planning, ensuring that your medical wishes are known and honored in case of serious illness or incapacity. Let’s learn more.

The Importance of Healthcare Decisions

Conversations about medical preferences can be uncomfortable. Many avoid them entirely, assuming they have plenty of time to make such choices or believing their loved ones will instinctively know their wishes.

Unfortunately, unexpected medical emergencies can leave individuals unable to communicate their preferences, placing their families and healthcare providers in difficult positions.

National Healthcare Decisions Day was created to bridge this gap. It encourages people to take proactive steps, such as making advance directives, naming healthcare proxies, and discussing their values and priorities with loved ones and medical professionals.

By doing so, individuals can prevent uncertainty and stress during crises and ensure that their medical care aligns with their beliefs and desires.

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate them.² It typically includes two key components, a living will and a healthcare proxy:

A living will is a written statement detailing the types of medical care you do or do not want in specific situations, such as life support, ventilators, or resuscitation.³
A healthcare proxy is a designated person authorized to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.⁴

Having an advance directive in place provides clarity and reassurance for both medical professionals and family members.

The Role of Families in Healthcare Planning

Discussing end-of-life care or medical preferences with family members can be difficult, but having these conversations is important. Would your loved ones know your wishes if you were unable to express them? Would they be comfortable making decisions on your behalf? These are the essential questions that NHDD urges people to consider.

Having open conversations with family members helps eliminate uncertainty. It ensures that your preferences are understood, reducing the burden on relatives who might otherwise struggle with making medical decisions for you. Even a simple conversation over dinner or during a family gathering can lay the foundation for informed and confident decision-making in the future.

Getting Started with Advance Care Planning

Taking the first steps toward advance care planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how you can get started:

Reflect on your values. Consider what quality of life means to you and what types of medical interventions align with your beliefs and comfort level.
Talk to your loved ones. Share your thoughts and wishes with family members so that they understand your preferences.
Choose a healthcare proxy. Select a trusted individual who will advocate for your medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
Fill out the necessary legal documents to make your choices official with an advance directive. Many states offer standardized forms that are easy to access, or you can work with your financial advisor on this.
Share and update your documents. Provide copies to your healthcare provider, family members, and healthcare proxy. Review and update them as needed, especially after major life changes.

National Healthcare Decisions Day reminds us that planning for the future isn’t just about finances or career goals—it’s also about ensuring that your healthcare preferences are honored. By discussing and documenting your wishes, you give yourself and your loved ones the gift of clarity and peace of mind when the time comes.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.