Plan Ahead for National Health Care Decision Day

National Health Care Decision Day is on April 16th. This is a time for people to consider the long-term health care choices that will affect them and their loved ones. At Interim HealthCare, we encourage our patients and their families to talk about the future and what types of healthcare decisions will be made. While a challenging topic, it is best to address these issues while you are coherent and able. This is not just for those receiving senior home health care, but anyone in the household or family.

We’ve all heard the saying “all you have to do is pay taxes and die.” So after you met the tax deadline, it’s time to consider what happens at death and talk about topics like living wills, guardianships, end of life issues and organ donation. Some things to do for National Health Care Decision Day include having a frank discussion with those closest to you about your wishes. Make advance directives, which are written instructions about your preferences that others can follow for you when you are unable to do so.

Living wills, for example, are legal documents that describe your treatment preferences in the event of a serious accident or illness where your cannot communicate. This includes situations like a coma or being unconscious. You can have a living will without having a do not resuscitate order. A living will says exactly which life-sustaining measures you do or do not want to be used, such as ventilators, feeding tubes and resuscitation.
Formulate a plan in case something happens to you. Think about who you want to make critical decisions for your healthcare when you are not able to, such as a organ donation. Let this person know. Let others know. Put it in writing. Tell your doctor.

Designate one person to be your healthcare agent/proxy, also called medical power of attorney. You should also consider completing a living will . This person should be aware of your medical preferences, conditions and wishes. They may or may not be a relative. Choose someone who is responsible and will abide by your wishes. Keep in mind, this person is not the same as a legal power of attorney that handles financial issues. While they can be the same person, the two roles are very different.

As National Health Care Decision Day draws near, this may be a good time to tell the people you live with or see on a daily basis about any important medical problems you may have. It may help them to know what to do in case of an emergency. For example, if you have a heart condition, does anyone know whether you are on aspirin therapy in case something happens?

Fill out a medical release form that includes insurance information, such as the policy name and number and whose name the plan is under. Include allergies, medications and an emergency contact person.

If you have already made healthcare decisions, it is helpful to tell people what they are so your wishes can be followed. Make sure someone knows who your doctors and other healthcare professionals are. Is your doctor’s name and telephone number included on a medical alert bracelet, tucked away in your wallet or posted on the refrigerator? If you receiving in home health care, make sure the name and phone number of the medical staffing agency, like Interim Healthcare, is easy to find in case of emergency.

This is also a good time to discuss medical options with your doctor. There may be advances or changes in your health since the last time you spoke. Find out what they are. He or she may have insight or suggestions for coping with the end stages of a disease or illnesses.

Even if you are healthy right now, use this time to plan ahead for the day you may not be. It will make things a little easier on your loved ones and ensure that they know what you want.