National Healthcare Decisions Day: A Time to Think Ahead

By Edo Banach, NHPCO President & CEO 

In April, I’m always reminded of Benjamin Franklin’s famous quip that “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” There’s a less famous, but in my opinion equally true corollary: “There are two things no one wants to think about: death and taxes.” 

NHPCO worked with our partners fifteen years ago to help found National Healthcare Decisions Day because we believe that people should be at the center of their health care decisions. NHDD continues to emphasize the importance that every person plays in the medical care they receive and to take action to make sure their wishes can be met even if they are unable to direct their own care. The only way to make sure that our priorities are understood and respected is to make sure that our care providers and loved ones know what our wishes are.

It's a heavy subject, to be sure, and like many important things in life, it’s worth taking steps that feel difficult at first. You will be glad you did, and so will the people who care about you the most. So, as we approach National Healthcare Decisions Day 2022, here are three steps you can take to make sure your can have a say in your health care, even if you cannot speak for yourself:

Learn about advance care planning, Advance Directives, and appointing a Healthcare Agent on CaringInfo.org and the National Institute on Aging. Even if you are very familiar with advance care planning and Advance Directives, it’s worth refreshing your memory, and making sure your plans still align to your values and wishes. Also, visit the Conversation Project for tips and tools to guide these important discussions with your care providers and those closest to you.

Choose a Healthcare Agent to make medical decisions for you, should you not be able to. Speak with that person about your values and wishes for your healthcare.

Ensure you have completed the Advance Directive form for your state or territory.

Hospice and palliative care providers always put patients at the center of the care plan. On National Healthcare Decisions Day, you have a reminder to put yourself at the center, so your loved ones will know how care for you if they ever need to step into that role. Your wishes matter, so make sure they are known.

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Edo Banach, JD, is the President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. NHPCO is the leading organization representing integrated, person-centered healthcare, NHPCO gives ongoing inspiration, practical guidance, and legislative representation to hospice and palliative care providers so they can enrich experiences for patients and ease caregiving responsibilities and emotional stress for families. Visit www.nhpco.org.