Every April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) reminds us of the importance of planning for future medical care. While it can be a difficult topic to think about, making healthcare decisions in advance ensures that your wishes are known and respected, even if you’re unable to communicate them. For older adults and their families, having these conversations and putting a plan in place can bring peace of mind and prevent uncertainty during medical emergencies.
What is advance care planning?
Advance care planning is thinking about future medical needs and making informed decisions about your preferences for treatment. Studies have shown the benefits of advance care planning for patients, as well as for their loved ones, especially at the end-of-life; but it’s also helpful for whenever a person cannot communicate their own healthcare choices, like right after surgery.
Advance care planning is a process, not an event, and involves:
- Reflecting on your values and preferences. For example, what matters most to you? Quality of life, comfort, or life-prolonging treatments?
- Choosing a healthcare proxy. This trusted person will make medical decisions for you if you can’t guide your own healthcare.
- Documenting your wishes. Completing advance directives, such as a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare, create a legal record for your choices.
- Communicating your decisions. By sharing your plans with your family, caregivers, loved ones, and medical providers, you ensure they can advocate for your preferences even if you cannot.
Because advance care planning is a process, values and preferences should be revisited regularly to ensure decisions reflect your most current priorities.
How to talk about your healthcare decisions
Perhaps the most important step in advance care planning is making sure others know how you feel and what healthcare you would want. Talking about future healthcare decisions with loved ones can feel overwhelming, but starting the conversation is crucial. Here are five ways to begin:
1. Use a personal story. If a friend or family member has faced a tough medical situation, use their experience to open the discussion.
Example: “I was thinking about what happened with Aunt Mary, and it made me realize how important it is to have a plan in place.”
2. Bring Up NHDD. Since NHDD is a national observance, use it as a reason to talk about your own plans.
Example: “I read that April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Have you ever thought about what you’d want in a medical emergency?”
3. Express your feelings. Sharing your own thoughts and concerns can encourage family members to open up.
Example: “I want to make sure my healthcare choices are respected. Can we talk about what I would want if I ever needed serious medical care?”
4. Ask for advice. Inviting input can make the conversation feel less like a directive and more like a discussion.
Example: “I trust your judgment, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on my advance care plan.”
5. Bring up a news story, movie, or song. Articles, movies, even songs often discuss end-of-life, and can be a good conversation starter.
Example: “I just watched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and it got me thinking about what was important to me and how I want to live. Have you thought about this for yourself?”
Licensed home care respects your choices
Licensed home care services, like those offered by Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions in Brooklyn, play a vital role in ensuring that seniors receive care aligned with their wishes. Home care professionals:
- Follow your care plan. Whether it’s managing medications, assisting with daily activities, or providing skilled nursing care, licensed home care respects your outlined preferences.
- Support families and healthcare proxies. Licensed home care collaborates with families and healthcare proxies to deliver care that honors advance directives and wishes.
- Promote comfort and dignity. Licensed home care services help individuals live with respect and autonomy, including guiding you through the Medicaid eligibility process.
National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect time to start planning for your future medical care. Take the first step by having a conversation with your loved ones, completing your advance directives, and ensuring your care team understands your wishes.
Four Seasons is committed to licensed home care services that help you or your loved ones receive the care you prefer, in the place you call home; contact us to learn more.
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Sources: NIA; AMA; Science Direct; UCLA Health; The Conversation Project
