National Healthcare Decisions Day: Helping Seniors Plan for the Future
Advance directives are expanding, projected to grow five-fold between 2023 and 2032. Despite this, only a third of the adult population in America has documented their end-of-life wishes.
National Healthcare Decisions Day, on April 16th reminds us that decisions not made by us in good health can turn into hard choices for our loved ones if we fall into poor health. So don't delay any further.
Is it time for you to consider your healthcare decisions? Read on for everything you need to know about advance directives and healthcare planning.
National Healthcare Decisions Day: What It Means for Seniors
National Healthcare Decisions Day, on April 16th, is an opportunity to reflect on healthcare and what it means as you age. It serves as a reminder that care requires consideration and planning so that you can make sound decisions, whatever hurdles you face.
Healthcare decisions primarily relate to decisions about your medical preferences. It means that if you are ever in a position where you cannot communicate your preferences due to illness or an emergency, your family can do it on your behalf.
It's a valuable tool for families who want to do their best for their loved ones. It's also the perfect opportunity to have those conversations with family members about what you want.
Honoring Your Wishes Via Advance Directives
Advance directives are the legal term for the documents that outline what you want to happen about your medical treatment. It's there as a backup in case you can't communicate your medical wishes, for example, if you were to develop dementia.
These documents outline your wishes, give power to a named person, and allow them to make decisions on your behalf. These decisions might include the following:
- Choice of treatment
- Life support
- End-of-life care
Without a directive in place, medical decisions can end up in the hands of doctors or family members who don't know your wishes and are unsure about how to proceed. Writing these down in a formal, legal document removes those worries.
It means you have peace of mind that whatever happens with your health, decisions will align with what you want.
How to Choose the Right Healthcare Proxy
One of the toughest decisions you will make will not be about your health but about who to choose as a healthcare proxy. A proxy is the term for a named person (usually a relative) who will make decisions on your behalf.
You will gravitate towards someone you already have a close relationship with, so it's likely to be a spouse, adult child, or other close relative. The most crucial factor is choosing someone capable of respecting your wishes and making decisions under pressure.
It's also essential to consider proximity to where you live in West Windsor Township. A local advocate will make it easier for you to make timely decisions when faced with a medical emergency.
Senior Medical Planning: Living Wills
A living will is a legal document that outlines the medical treatments you do or do not want. It's there as a safety net if you can't communicate, such as if you are on life support and need resuscitation.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney allows you to nominate someone to make decisions for you. Like living wills, this is a legal document, which means you'll need to get it arranged with an attorney.
However, prioritizing this gives you the assurance your medical wishes will be followed in any situation.
End-of-Life Care: How to Approach the Conversation
One of the most sensitive and difficult conversations you'll ever have with your loved ones is about your end-of-life decisions. While it may feel uncomfortable, an open and early discussion is crucial to ensure your wishes are respected and backed up by formal legal documents.
Use this conversation with loved ones to reassure them and explain the benefits of planning for your healthcare needs. Focus on the key topics that matter to you, like medical treatments and hospice care.
If you are in a senior living community in West Windsor Township, ensure you have this conversation with staff so that everyone has the same information.
Senior living, West Windsor Township: Supporting Healthcare Planning
Senior living communities have staff with extensive experience in healthcare, and you may be able to get the guidance you need on issues like advance directives. Staff in assisted living in West Windsor Township can also be on hand to coordinate meetings with attorneys or family members so that you can discuss your wishes.
Senior healthcare teams will also be there to ensure your needs and medical preferences are recorded and available to anyone in the community who provides you with support.
Misconceptions About Healthcare Planning
The biggest risk to healthcare planning is delaying it. This is often the reason why someone in a medical emergency lacks an advance directive.
Sometimes, that happens because seniors assume their relatives know their wishes. Other times, these problems occur because people are often in denial that the worst-case scenario of being unable to make their own decisions could happen to them.
Even if you are in excellent health, you should prepare for all eventualities, including a medical emergency. Don't avoid the conversation with loved ones or postpone the paperwork on the assumption you have plenty of time to get it done.
If you are a senior in West Windsor Township, get the support you need from loved ones of senior care staff to navigate the process and get started.
Senior Living and Healthcare Planning: Making Future Decisions, Today
The future might seem distant. But don't delay decisions that you might not be able to make. National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper and express your wishes to those you love, protecting you and your health, whatever happens.
Senior living might involve some practical elements, but it's also about enjoying life in beautiful surroundings.
At Bear Creek Assisted Living, our picturesque and award-winning community offers just that, and it's why our residents feel like they are part of a family. Find out more about what we offer with assisted living and memory care in NJ, and schedule a tour of our community here.