National Healthcare Decisions Day

Shannon Pastoral Care encourages the Concho Valley to make their healthcare wishes known on National Healthcare Decisions Day

Shannon Pastoral Care encourages Concho Valley residents to use National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16) as a day to consider their wishes for their healthcare if they’re unable to communicate and share their plans with loved ones.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) recognizes National Healthcare Decisions Day each year on April 16, the day after what’s known as Tax Day, in order to engage Americans in conversations with their loved ones and healthcare providers about the realities of end-of-life care, especially in emergency situations. The goal of National Healthcare Decisions Day is to get patients thinking about their own desires for long-term or end-of-life care and documenting those desires for their future caregivers and healthcare providers.

Benefits of Advanced Care Planning

When someone has a medical emergency or needs end-of-life care, doctors and healthcare providers focus on putting the patient’s needs and wants first. Advanced care planning documents, like advanced directives, can guide healthcare providers on the care you want when you are unable to speak for yourself.

Without an advanced care plan in place, your family members may struggle with making hard medical decisions on your behalf. This can add extra stress and conflict during an emotional time. Having your wishes documented ensures your loved ones have clear guidance and peace of mind in the future.

Who Needs Advanced Care Planning?

Many people believe that advanced care planning practices apply only to elderly, disabled or terminally ill patients. Sudden or tragic medical circumstances can happen to anyone, at any age or time – that’s why it’s important for young people and those without major health concerns to think seriously about their wishes for care and communicate them on paper.

Know Your Advanced Care Planning Documents

There are many kinds of advanced care planning documents, each of which serve a unique purpose in outlining the kinds of care you want later. Documents like advanced directives share your preferences for the care you want to receive before you are sick or unable to speak for yourself. Without these guidelines, medical personnel may rely on family members or loved ones to make decisions about your care.

Starting the Conversation Around Advanced Care Planning

It’s also important to communicate your healthcare wishes to your loved ones ahead of time, so your preferences can be honored. You and/or your loved ones may be hesitant to have these discussions. It’s important to remember that planning for the future will provide peace of mind to you and those who love you, should you face a sudden diagnosis or tragedy.

Remember, it’s okay to feel emotional or uncomfortable when talking about the future with your loved ones. If you’re not sure how to begin, pick a neutral time and place and begin with:

“I’ve been thinking about what kind of care I’d want in an emergency. Can we talk about it?”

Where to Begin

In most cases, your primary care physician is the best place to start completing advanced care planning documents. They can discuss this during a regular visit, allowing you to discuss your options prior to a medical crisis and process important information about end-of-life care while supporting your loved ones in making difficult decisions.

Need a primary care physician? Contact Shannon’s Dr. Matchmaker service at 325.747.2343 or send an email to DrMatchmaker@shannonhealth.org.

Take the first step today – talk with your loved ones, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, or visit https://www.shannonhealth.com/patients-visitors/advanced-care-planning/ to learn more about advanced care documents and how to complete them.