April 16, 2024, will mark the 17th Annual National Healthcare Decisions Day. This day is designed to bring peace of mind about future healthcare decision making. Did you know? 90% of people say that planning for serious health matters including end-of-life care is important, but only 37% of people have actually done so.
Advance Care Planning is making future healthcare decisions about the care you want to receive if you are unable to speak for yourself. These decisions are based on your personal values, preferences, and wishes. If you are 18 years old or older, take control of your healthcare by completing advance care planning documents.
In honor of Healthcare Decisions Day 2024, plan to:
Have a Conversation: Having a conversation, openly and honestly, before a medical crisis develops puts everyone on the same page about what matters to you during a serious health event or at the end of life. Making your wishes known in advance relieves your family, natural supports and healthcare providers from having to guess what you would want if you are facing a health care crisis.
Complete Your Advance Healthcare Directive: There are a variety of resources available to guide you in the completion of your advance healthcare directive.
State forms are available at this link: https://prepareforyourcare.org/en/welcome
Colorado information is available at this link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/palliative-care/advance-care-planning-for-patients-and-families
The Conversation Project has amazing free resources at this link: https://theconversationproject.org/
Do you want to go further? Estate Planning or Elder Law Attorneys can assist in completing all healthcare and estate documents to insure all your affairs are in order.
Spread the word about Advance Care Planning: Help raise awareness on the importance of advance care planning. First and foremost, lead by example! After you have thoughtfully considered and made your own healthcare decisions known, share your experience with friends and family. This spring, make completing these important tasks a priority. Let April 16th educate, empower, and inspire you to be proactive in your healthcare decisions.
Photo by Christin Hume.