Planning for the Future: Why National Healthcare Decisions Day Matters
April 16 marks National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD)—a day dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare in advance. At Gilchrist, we believe that having conversations about advance care planning is one of the most important steps people can take to ensure their wishes are honored when facing serious illness or at the end of life.
What is National Healthcare Decisions Day?
NHDD was established to encourage people of all ages to discuss and document their healthcare preferences before a medical emergency occurs. It serves as a reminder that planning ahead can bring peace of mind not only to individuals but also to their loved ones and healthcare providers. When medical decisions are made in advance, families can avoid uncertainty and stress during difficult times.
Why Advance Care Planning is Essential
Many people avoid talking about healthcare decisions until a crisis occurs, but unexpected illnesses or accidents can happen at any time. Advance care planning ensures that your voice is heard even when you are unable to communicate your wishes. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, comfort care, and personal values regarding quality of life.
Steps to Take for Advance Care Planning
- Start the Conversation – Discuss your healthcare preferences with family members, close friends, and healthcare providers. These conversations can provide clarity and reduce the burden on loved ones in the future.
- Complete Advance Directives – Documents such as a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney allow individuals to specify their medical preferences and designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated.
- Review and Update Regularly – Healthcare wishes may change over time. It’s important to review and update your advance directives periodically, especially after major life events like a new diagnosis, marriage, or the birth of a child.
- Share Your Documents – Ensure that copies of your advance directives are shared with your healthcare provider, hospital, and designated decision-makers.
How Gilchrist Supports Advance Care Planning
At Gilchrist, we provide guidance and resources to help individuals and families navigate advance care planning. Our experienced team of nurses, social workers, and chaplains can assist in discussing options and ensuring that your healthcare preferences are documented and respected.
We offer resources such as:
- My Directives – A digital platform to create and store your advance care plan.
- Maryland MOLST – A medical order form covering options for life-sustaining treatments.
- A Healthcare Agent Form – a legal document that allows an individual to appoint a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so themselves.
- Five Wishes – A national advance care planning program providing a comprehensive approach to documenting your wishes.
Take Action Today
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a perfect opportunity to begin the conversation about your future healthcare choices. By planning ahead, you can relieve your loved ones of difficult decisions and ensure your wishes are honored. Let’s make today the day we start the conversation. Your voice matters—make sure it’s heard.
Need help getting started? Gilchrist offers resources and support to guide you through advance care planning. Visit our website or contact us to learn more. https://gilchristcares.org/services/elder-medical-care/advance-care-planning/