Have you planned your next vacation? Do you contribute towards a retirement plan for a leisurely future? Did you save to pay for college or some other major goal? Most people plan for the important parts of life. Yet one of the most important things to plan for is often not done: how healthcare decisions should be made if we cannot make those decisions ourselves. National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed each April 16, highlights the importance of making those choices known before a crisis occurs.
What advance care planning is
Imagine this scenario: an accident or sudden health event makes you unable to direct your healthcare. Who would speak up for you?
Advance care planning (ACP) is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your preferences for medical care if you become unable to communicate those decisions yourself. It usually includes several key elements:
- Healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare who is a trusted person who can make medical decisions on your behalf if needed.
- Living will with written guidance about the types of treatments you would or would not want in certain situations.
- Conversations about personal values and priorities about what quality of life means to you and what outcomes matter most.
These plans are not just for people who are seriously ill. Adults of any age can benefit from making their wishes clear.
Why planning ahead matters
Healthcare decisions often arise unexpectedly. Without guidance, families may struggle to figure out what their loved one would want. Advance care planning offers several important benefits:
- Protects personal independence. Documented wishes allow individuals to remain in control of their care even if they cannot speak for themselves; 90% of patients who complete ACP have their end-of-life wishes met.
- Reduces the burden on families. Loved ones are not forced to guess or debate difficult choices during emotional moments. Research shows that end-of-life planning significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression for families.
- Improves communication with healthcare providers. Medical teams can align care with clearly expressed goals and values. The American Medical Association notes that “[ACP] discussions can serve to strengthen the patient-physician bond not only by soliciting and articulating a patient’s wishes but also by reaffirming the physician’s commitment…”
- Prevents unwanted treatments. Research shows higher quality of life for both the individual and loved ones when care reflects their true preferences. End-of-life discussions were associated with lower rates of ventilation, resuscitation, ICU admission, and earlier hospice enrollment.
How to start planning
It can feel overwhelming to plan future possible healthcare decisions. The key is to simply start. Some key questions to ask yourself include:
- Who would I trust to speak for me if I could not make decisions myself?
- What matters most to me if I were facing serious illness?
- What types of care would help preserve my quality of life?
The Conversation Project offers free tools designed to help individuals and families talk openly about their wishes.
And, advance care planning does not have to happen alone. Healthcare professionals often play an important role in helping individuals think through their choices and document their wishes. For example:
- Physicians and nurses can explain how different treatments may affect quality of life based on your specific health and concerns.
- Social workers and care coordinators can guide families through documentation and communication.
- Home health teams can reinforce conversations and ensure plans are still accessible during care transitions.
At Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions, care teams can help clients and families navigate these discussions. Whether someone is receiving rehabilitation, home health support, dialysis services, or adult day health care, the goal is the same: to ensure care aligns with the person’s goals and preferences.
When to update your plans
ACP is not a one-time task. Life changes and the plans should too. Consider revisiting your plans:
- When a major diagnosis or health change occurs
- After hospitalization or a significant medical event
- Following changes in family structure or caregiving support
- When personal priorities or values shift
Keeping documents up to date ensures that healthcare teams and loved ones always have the most accurate guidance.
Planning ahead may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is ultimately an act of love for yourself and for the people who care about you. By sharing your preferences today, you help ensure that your health decisions tomorrow stay truly your own.
