Planning for Your Future Health: National Healthcare Decisions Day and Why It Matters
You make decisions about your health every day. But have you made plans for your care in case of medical emergency or serious illness?
April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a designated time to proactively address potential healthcare scenarios that may arise in the future. The objective of this day is to provide patients or healthcare recipients with the opportunity to communicate their preferences for appropriate care to healthcare professionals, with the expectation that these wishes will be honored and fulfilled.
At Affinity Home Care, we believe that advance care planning is an essential part of ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. By making your wishes known in advance, you can help your loved ones and healthcare providers make decisions that align with your values and preferences. There are several steps you can take to participate in National Healthcare Decisions Day and ensure that your wishes are known:
- Choose a healthcare proxy: A healthcare proxy is a person who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Choose someone you trust and discuss your wishes with them in advance.
- Complete an advance directive: An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare wishes and provides guidance to your healthcare providers and family members. You can find advance directive forms online or through your healthcare provider.
- Discuss your wishes with your loved ones: Having open and honest conversations with your loved ones about your healthcare wishes can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can help avoid misunderstandings or disagreements.
- Review your wishes regularly: As your health and circumstances change, it’s important to review your advance directives and make updates as needed.
At Affinity Home Care, we are committed to supporting our patients and their families in making informed decisions about their healthcare. Our team of skilled professionals can provide guidance and resources to help you navigate the advance care planning process.
On National Healthcare Decisions Day and every day, we encourage you to take the time to consider your healthcare wishes and communicate them with your loved ones and healthcare providers. By doing so, you can help ensure that your wishes are respected and that you receive care that aligns with your values and preferences.