Over 90% of Americans had some form of healthcare in 2023, according to the USCB.
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a special day that encourages people to think about and plan for their future healthcare needs. It’s observed on April 16 each year to raise awareness about advance care planning.
Read on to learn more about it.
What Are Advance Directives?
Advance directives outline your medical preferences if you can’t communicate them yourself. Such documents provide guidance to doctors and family members about the type of care you want. There are different directives, including:
Living Will
It’s a document that explains what medical treatments you want or do not want in certain situations. It may include decisions about life support, pain management, and resuscitation.
Medical Power of Attorney
It’s a document that names someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. This person is often called a healthcare proxy.
Having advance directives in place ensures that your medical care is correct. It also prevents confusion and disagreements among family members during difficult times.
Choosing a Healthcare Proxy in Hagerstown, MD
A healthcare proxy makes vital medical decisions for you. It only happens if you can’t speak for yourself.
This person is also known as a medical power of attorney. Selecting a healthcare proxy is an important decision because they will be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are followed.
When choosing a healthcare proxy, consider the following:
- Choose someone you trust completely
- Make sure they understand your medical preferences
- Pick someone who can make decisions under pressure
- Discuss your wishes with them in detail
Your healthcare proxy should be willing to advocate for you and communicate effectively with doctors and medical staff. Having a trusted person in this role gives peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.
The Vital Importance of a Living Will
A living will is a key part of senior living planning. It’s a written statement that outlines the medical treatments you want or don’t want in case of serious illness or injury.
Without a living will, family members may struggle to make medical decisions on your behalf. They may feel uncertain about what you would have wanted. A living will removes this burden by providing clear instructions.
Some important topics to include in a living will are:
- Use of life-support machines
- Pain management preferences
- Do Not Resuscitate orders
- Organ donation choices
By creating a living will, you take control of your healthcare and relieve your loved ones from making tough decisions during emotional times.
How Advance Care Planning Supports Senior Living
Senior living planning involves making decisions about where and how you want to receive care as you age. Advance care planning locks in the type of care you prefer in a supportive community.
Seaton Hagerstown is a high-tier senior living community. It helps residents maintain their independence while getting proper care. The community provides personalized care plans that respect each resident’s choices.
By planning ahead, seniors can ensure they have access to:
- Medical support tailored to their needs
- Assistance with daily activities while maintaining independence
- A safe and comfortable living environment
- Social engagement and meaningful activities
Seaton Hagerstown is dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the challenges of aging. Their compassionate team respects each resident’s wishes and provides peak care.
The Benefits of Discussing End-of-Life Decisions Early
Talking about end-of-life decisions can be uncomfortable, but it is an important part of planning for the future. Open discussions about advance directives and healthcare preferences help families avoid confusion during medical emergencies.
Some benefits of early discussions include:
- Ensuring that your medical wishes are known and respected
- Reducing stress and uncertainty for family members
- Avoiding unwanted medical treatments
It’s best to have these conversations while you are healthy. This gives you time to consider your options and make informed choices.
Steps to Get Started
If you have not yet planned for your future healthcare needs, now is the time to start. The first step is to learn about your options. Gaining knowledge about these tools will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare preferences.
Next, talk with your loved ones. Discussing your medical preferences with family members ensures they understand your wishes and why they are important to you. Open communication can help avoid confusion and disagreements in the future.
Choosing a healthcare proxy is another crucial step. This person should be responsible, able to handle pressure, and willing to advocate for your choices. Be sure to have an in-depth conversation with them about your expectations.
Once you have made your decisions, create your advance directives. Work with a legal or healthcare professional to complete the necessary documents. Ensure they’re signed and kept in a safe place.
After finalizing your advance directives, share your plans with those who need to know. Provide copies to your healthcare proxy, doctor, and close family members. Keeping them informed will help ensure your wishes are followed in an emergency.
Be sure to review your plans periodically. Life circumstances change, so it is important to update your advance directives as needed. Regularly revisiting your healthcare preferences ensures that they continue to reflect your current wishes.
Seaton Hagerstown Is a Community That Supports Your Decisions
Seaton Hagerstown is a trusted senior living community that values the importance of advance care planning. Their team provides guidance and support to residents and their families as they navigate healthcare decisions.
At Seaton Hagerstown, seniors receive compassionate care tailored to their individual needs. The community offers a range of staple services, including assistance with daily activities, medical coordination, and more.
By choosing Seaton Hagerstown, residents gain access to:
- A dedicated team that respects personal healthcare choices
- A safe and welcoming environment for seniors
- Opportunities for meaningful social connections
- Personalized care plans
It’s Time to Honor National Healthcare Decisions Day
By paying attention to National Healthcare Decisions Day, one can be prepared for the future.
Seaton Hagerstown has your senior living solutions covered in Hagerstown, MD. You can count on our tight-knit community for assisted living and specialized memory care. Best of all, our social calendar is packed with game nights, book clubs, and more.
Don’t wait to schedule a complimentary tour of Seaton Hagerstown today.
