National Healthcare Decisions Day: Key Planning Steps for Seniors

Are you among the 45% of Americans with a living will? If not, it's time to make one and dig into advance care planning. While no one likes thinking about difficult health circumstances, you'll gain peace of mind if you create a plan.

Keep reading to learn why National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is the ideal time to make senior care planning a priority in Fremont, CA -- and what you need to do!

What Is National Healthcare Decisions Day?

NHDD, which falls on April 16 each year, is designed to help seniors learn what they need to do concerning care planning. Healthcare providers and legal representatives in Fremont are among the experts coming together with resources to help seniors handle end-of-life care options.

NHDD is conveniently situated right before the April tax deadline, too. Think of it as a reminder to review advance care planning each year. You may change your mind about what you want to happen with your health if:

• Your health situation changes

• You move to a new state

• You retire or remarry

Not every care provider or family member knows what your wishes are. And many seniors haven't taken the time to consider what intervention, if any, they want in certain situations.

Similarly, most family members won't know what to tell medical providers if you cannot specify treatment. You can remove this uncertainty by investing in planning on NHDD. Ultimately, NHDD equips seniors with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about their health.

Why It Matters

Thinking about end-of-life situations rarely ascends to the top of a to-do list. Plus, it's easy to feel too busy to bother with those thoughts. But you can save those around you a lot of anguish and stress by outlining your health priorities.

Don't put those you love most in the awful situation of needing to make health decisions using their best judgment. These situations just compound the grief. Instead, give them some assistance.

You don't have to pursue the process of outlining your end-of-life preferences alone, either. In fact, a big part of making advance care plans is consulting with those around you. Being proactive about your health means engaging in conversations that can offer clarity as you make medical decisions.

When NHDD arrives, take advantage of it to put your health first. Set aside time to:

• Talk with family and trusted friends for input

• Ask your doctor in Fremont for advice

• Choose a trusted loved one to serve as proxy

• Create a living will

Your family members will appreciate being looped into your wishes. They will be a better source of support if they are clear on the level of medical care you want. If a difficult moment arises, they won't need to feel burdened with making a high-impact decision if you've already done so.

A living will is the best way to outline your preferences so everyone can act accordingly. This document is an explicit statement of your healthcare directives regarding life-sustaining treatment. A living will is also a binding legal document that must be honored by healthcare providers.

What Advance Care Planning Involves

Healthcare decisions for seniors are never easy. But taking the time to write down your choices will make it easier for those around you to honor your desires. Whether you're in a senior living community in Fremont or another home, those around you need direction when there's a medical emergency.

Advance care means being honest with yourself. You'll want to weigh your preferences regarding:

• Medications

• Surgical intervention

• Ventilators and CPR

• DNR vs. life support

• Organ donation

• Feeding tubes

• Power of attorney

How long are you willing to be on life support, if at all? Do you want feeding tubes or risky surgeries if you are in the hospital? These are the types of questions to ask as you develop a living will.

Power of attorney for elderly individuals is a document where you appoint someone to act on your behalf in a scenario where you cannot make decisions about your health or money. If you're ever incapacitated, you want someone you trust acting in this role. Keep in mind that this document is separate from a living will, so you should plan on pursuing both on NHDD.

How to Get Started

NHDD can be the launch pad for your efforts to shape the future of your healthcare decisions. To get started with senior care planning, you should:

• Understand your priorities

• Review your values

• Select someone to make medical decisions

• Complete a living will

• Work with an attorney for senior legal planning

• Speak with your medical provider

Start by writing down your values and priorities. Consider your age and obligations in Fremont. And consider whether critical medical interventions, like staying on life support, offer the quality of life you want.

If life support or a ventilator isn't what you want, you can indicate as much in your living will. Never feel like you need to give in to someone else's wishes for your health. You are in control when you're proactive about medical decisions.

And talk with a doctor about possible situations and what treatment could entail. For instance, knowing what follow-up care may accompany a stroke or heart attack could impact your decisions. You may not want involved care, especially if you have other health concerns.

You can living will forms online. After assessing your priorities and speaking with trusted friends and family, fill out the form and print it out. Store a copy or two somewhere safe in your home.

And don't keep your living will a secret. Instead, share it with your medical provider and family members. That way, your doctor will have a concrete point of reference when you require medical attention.

The Value of Planning

National Healthcare Decisions Day can help you get started mapping out your healthcare wishes. Think about what you value most and the level of medical intervention you'd prefer. Then work with an attorney to map out a living will.

Fremont Hills is the leader in quality senior living near Fremont, California. Our skilled staff, lively calendar of events, and updated accommodations ensure seniors can make the most out of life. Contact us today for a tour!