By Emmanuel Hospice
Want in on a little secret?
The day typically known as “tax day” might arguably be the second most important date to consider each spring.
The other?
It’s known as “National Healthcare Decisions Day,” or NHDD.
It doesn’t have the reputation owned by tax day (typically April 15 but extended the last two years due to the pandemic). But in some ways, NHDD can exert as much or even more influence over you and your family than remembering to file your taxes.
Annually observed on April 16 the last dozen years, NHDD stresses the importance of talking with your loved ones about end-of-life health care wishes, and documenting those desires in an advance directive, also known as a “living will.”
Having plans in place – and designating an advocate– ensures you get the care you want, and how you want it delivered.
“At Emmanuel Hospice, we see up close and firsthand the stress that surfaces if people delay those decisions,” said Sara Lowe, executive director. “And on the other side, we marvel at how seamlessly a person’s wishes can be honored when they make the decision months or years ahead of time with an advance directive and other measures to address the future. And now, during the COVID-19 crisis, setting aside time for these considerations is seen as even more vital.
“We realize how difficult it is to sometimes initiate these conversations, because they deal candidly with death,” said Lowe. “But the alternative is to risk allowing more chaos to surface when the situation with a loved one is hard enough already. Making an active decision to have ‘the talk’ ensures that all parties are on the same page when it comes to critical decisions.”
As a spokesperson for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), said, “Far too many Americans put off talking about their health care wishes and then they find themselves in a medical crisis, and it may be too late to ensure that you get the care you want.”
Certainly, it must begin with what’s usually a tough conversation that brings death to the forefront. But you’re not alone. Suggestions for how to begin talking – as well as state-specific advance directive forms – are available on more than a handful of websites, including NHPCO.org.
The benefits of putting plans into place include:
• Even if you can’t speak or otherwise communicate your wishes while critically ill, having advance care documents in place ensures loved ones and healthcare professionals know them.
• Relatives will be less apt to contest your final wishes.
• You may inspire friends and family members to consider following suit.
Michiganders can find help through Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services at MiHIN.org/advance-care-planning or 844-454-2443, where they can set up an appointment with trained facilitators.
