April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. In honor of the day, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners are encouraging everyone to plan ahead and create a Health Care Directive. Talking about unexpected events and end-of-life can be an uncomfortable subject sometimes, but planning ahead and making sure those around you know your wishes makes all the difference. Park Nicollet and HealthPartners have a wide range of free resources available to you to help you start the conversation with your loved ones and complete a directive.
What is a Health Care Directive?
A Health Care Directive is the written plan you make for your future medical treatments. It’s also the document in which you can identify someone to communicate your wishes if you are unable to do so – this person is your health care agent, also known as a power of attorney for health care. A directive describes the medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you would or would not want if you were unable to speak for yourself.
Give copies of your signed directive to your health care agent, your doctor and health care team, family members and anyone else you want to know about your future health care wishes. Keep the original document easily available at your home.
Why is it important?
Completing a Health Care Directive helps to make sure your family and health care team follow your wishes. It is also valuable to have a quality conversation with the important people in your life about your values and goals for care across the continuum of life.
When should I create a directive?
We recommend adults 18 years and older start the advance care planning process. Review and update your Health Care Directive whenever you have a significant change in health status or life circumstances.
How can I convince my loved ones around me to complete a directive?
Health Care Directives are completely optional. However, try talking to your loved ones about the benefits of having a plan now, instead of in the middle of a crisis. Everyone has different values and priorities, especially when it comes to their own health care, and documenting those wishes are the best way to ensure they can be followed when needed.
Can I get help in making a directive?
If you have questions, or if you aren’t sure how to get started, there are many resources available to you.
Park Nicollet:
- Advance Care Planning Help Line: 952-993-0190
HealthPartners
- Visit the Health Library for instructions on how to write a Health Care Directive.
- HealthPartners supports Honoring Choices Minnesota, an effort to encourage families and communities to have discussions regarding end-of-life care choices.