National Healthcare Decisions Day: Why Future Planning Matters for Seniors
According to UChicago Medicine, nearly 90% of people say they know advance care planning is important, yet only about 30% actually take the steps to document their healthcare wishes.
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) aims to close this gap by encouraging you to plan for your future medical care. Whether it's creating a living will or discussing end-of-life decisions with loved ones, NHDD empowers you to make your voice heard.
For seniors in Lexington, KY, this day is especially significant. Planning ahead ensures that your healthcare preferences are honored and spares your family from the stress of making difficult decisions during a crisis.
What Is National Healthcare Decisions Day?
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), observed every April 16, is an annual initiative designed to inspire you to take control of your healthcare choices. Founded in 2008 by attorney Nathan Kottkamp, NHDD provides free tools and resources to help you document your wishes and start meaningful conversations about advance care planning.
The goal of NHDD is to make healthcare decision-making approachable and accessible for everyone. It encourages you to think about what matters most in your care, whether it's choosing treatments or appointing someone to speak for you if you can't. These decisions aren't just for emergencies, they're part of ensuring your values are respected throughout your life.
NHDD also brings together organizations at all community levels to promote awareness. From healthcare systems to community groups, these efforts aim to normalize conversations about:
- Advance directives
- Living wills
- A healthcare power of attorney
Participating in NHDD means you join millions of others working to make informed choices about their future care.
Why Future Planning Matters for Seniors
Planning ahead for your healthcare is one of the most important steps you can take as a senior living in Lexington, KY. It ensures that your medical choices are honored, even if you're unable to communicate them yourself. Without clear instructions, decisions about your care might be left to others who may not fully understand your wishes.
Senior medical planning gives you control over your future and reduces stress for your loved ones. Creating documents like a living will or appointing a healthcare power of attorney enables you to guide your family and doctors in making decisions that align with your values. These tools help avoid confusion and ensure that everyone involved knows exactly what you want.
Taking the time to plan now also prevents difficult situations later. When your preferences are documented, you eliminate guesswork and allow those around you to focus on supporting you rather than making tough choices under pressure.
Key Tools for Senior Medical Planning
Having the right tools in place makes senior medical planning easier and more effective. Advance directives are one of the most important documents you can create. They allow you to outline your healthcare preferences, such as whether you want certain treatments or life-support measures, in case you're unable to speak for yourself.
A healthcare power of attorney lets you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. This person, often called your agent, will act as your voice if you're unable to communicate with doctors or caregivers. It's important to select someone who understands your values and is willing to follow your wishes, even in challenging situations.
Another tool is a living will which focuses on specific medical treatments you do or don't want at the end of your life. For example, it can address:
- Whether you'd like to receive CPR
- Be placed on a ventilator
- Receive artificial feeding
Together, these tools give you a comprehensive plan that ensures your healthcare choices are respected.
Steps to Begin the Planning Process
Starting your healthcare planning may feel overwhelming, but breaking end-of-life decisions into simple steps can make the process easier.
Begin by having an open conversation with your family about your values and preferences for medical care. Share what matters most to you, such as the types of treatments you'd want or how you'd like decisions to be handled if you're unable to speak for yourself.
Consulting professionals is an important step to ensure your plans are legally sound and personalized. Reach out to an attorney or healthcare provider who can guide you through creating documents like advance directives or a healthcare power of attorney. They can also answer questions and help you understand the legal requirements for Lexington, KY.
Once your preferences are clear, take the time to document them properly. Completing forms for advance directives and living wills ensures that your wishes are written down and easy for others to follow. After everything is finalized, share copies with your loved ones and trusted decision-makers so everyone is prepared when the time comes.
Overcoming Barriers to Advance Care Planning
It's normal to feel hesitant about advance care planning, but overcoming these barriers is essential to ensuring your wishes are respected. Many people avoid planning because they find it uncomfortable to talk about end-of-life decisions. Starting small, like sharing your general values or goals for care, can make the conversation feel less overwhelming and more natural.
Lack of knowledge about planning tools is another common obstacle but resources are available to guide you. Local providers and online materials can help you understand documents like living wills or healthcare power of attorney forms. Taking the time to learn about these tools can give you the confidence to move forward.
Some people worry that their family won't agree with their choices, but clear communication can help ease those concerns. Explaining your decisions and why they matter to you allows your loved ones to see the bigger picture.
Your Future Planning Matters
Planning for your healthcare goes beyond National Healthcare Decisions Day. It is an important step toward securing your future, and having the right support makes all the difference. Located here in Lexington, KY, Preston Greens Senior Living offers a welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy independence alongside personalized care.
From chef-prepared meals to engaging activities and modern amenities, Preston Greens is designed to enhance your daily life. If you're ready to explore how Preston Greens can support your healthcare planning and lifestyle goals, contact us today to schedule a tour.