National Healthcare Decisions Day: Key Steps for Seniors and Families
Thinking about future medical care may feel overwhelming, but it's also empowering. National Healthcare Decisions Day is a chance to take control and make your wishes known.
Without a plan, your family may struggle with tough choices, uncertain of what you would have wanted. Taking action now provides clarity and peace of mind.
At Heartis Peoria, we're encouraging residents to participate in this important day by thinking about their end-of-life care decisions and completing key documents.
Keep reading to explore why senior legal planning is something you don't want to put off for a rainy day.
National Healthcare Decisions Day: A Time to Take Action
Every April, National Healthcare Decisions Day raises awareness about the importance of planning for future medical care. The campaign encourages seniors to document their healthcare preferences before a crisis occurs.
Many people delay even having conversations about what they would do in a medical crisis, assuming there will always be time later. But you never know when you might experience an unexpected health event.
Participating in the event is a reminder that taking control of healthcare choices is empowering. Instead of leaving difficult decisions to family members, seniors can clearly outline their wishes in legally recognized documents.
You can learn more about this national initiative by visiting The Conversation Project's website. They have a wealth of resources, including a brief history and ideas for organizing your own event.
Key Documents for Medical Decision-Making
Several essential documents help seniors outline their medical preferences and designate a trusted decision-maker. These legal forms, often called advance directives, provide clarity in difficult moments and ensure healthcare providers follow a senior's wishes.
- Living wills state preferences for life-sustaining treatments
- Healthcare power of attorney names a person to make medical decisions
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
While we're not legal representatives, if you were our loved one, we would want you to review and update their legal documents regularly. Keeping them current not only helps you and your family but also helps us provide the best care for you.
Choosing a Healthcare Power of Attorney
Completing your healthcare power of attorney is one of the most important decisions in senior legal planning. This document will name your agent -- the person who will step in to make medical decisions if you ever become unable to make those decisions on your own.
Make sure to select someone responsible and familiar with your medical preferences. This role often falls to a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend.
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) outlines a few basic legal requirements for an agent:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be able to make their own decisions
- Cannot be your primary healthcare provider
We encourage residents to talk with their chosen representative ahead of time. Honest conversations help your loved ones feel prepared and confident in carrying out these important responsibilities.
Later in the article, we'll talk about revising your legal documents, but for now, know that none of this is set in stone. If you change your mind about who you think will make a suitable agent, you're free to choose someone else.
How to Have Meaningful Family Discussions
If you've considered assisted living, you've likely had fun talking with family about different communities -- their floor plans, amenities, and location. Talking about end-of-life care decisions isn't always as enjoyable. Even so, open communication brings clarity and reduces future anxiety about your care.
Be aware that your family members may have different opinions about your medical care. Expressing your preferences early prevents confusion and potential disagreements.
There's no need to discuss every medical scenario in detail. Instead, focus on core values, like prioritizing comfort over aggressive treatments.
At Heartis Peoria, we're here to champion our residents to have those meaningful discussions -- to share end-of-life care decisions with their families to create a sense of security and understanding.
When to Ask for Legal Help
Some advance care planning documents are simple to complete, but this may not be the best time to be a DIY lawyer. The right legal guidance can make the process easier.
An estate planning attorney -- which you can find right here in Peoria, Illinois -- can help with medical decision-making for seniors. They will make sure your advance directives and other legal documents follow state laws in Illinois.
An attorney can assist with:
- Drafting and updating advance directives
- Establishing a healthcare power of attorney
- Creating a financial power of attorney
- Planning for long-term care
- Protecting assets for future needs
Advance directives and healthcare power of attorney documents provide clear instructions for your family and care providers. A financial power of attorney ensures bills are paid and assets are managed if you're unable to handle these tasks alone.
Long-term care planning can help prepare for future medical needs, while asset protection strategies keep financial resources secure. Seeking legal help makes the process smoother and can help you feel better prepared for the road ahead.
Reviewing and Updating Advance Directives
Life circumstances and medical needs change. What feels right today might not reflect your preferences in five or ten years. Whether you're in an assisted living situation or considering memory care, it's never the wrong time to review your healthcare directives.
Consider a review if you experience any of the following major life events:
- A new medical diagnosis or change in health status
- Change in marital status
- Moving to a new state with different healthcare laws
- Changes in relationships with designated decision-makers
- A shift in personal beliefs about medical treatment
Even without significant changes, checking legal documents every few years helps keep them accurate. Take time on National Healthcare Decisions Day to reflect on the medical and legal decisions that keep you in control of your future care.
Welcome to Heartis Peoria
Future planning isn't just about paperwork; it's about creating a life where support and independence work together. National Healthcare Decisions Day is a chance to learn more, reflect, update your plans, and make sure you document your medical preferences.
At Heartis Peoria, residents find a community that embraces lifelong learning and new experiences. Choosing the right community to call home starts with asking the right questions.
Explore our amenities and contact us. We're here to help you explore whether our community in Peoria, Illinois, is the right fit for you or your loved one.