Empowering Choices: National Healthcare Decisions Day and Community Hospice & Palliative Care
Every year on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) reminds individuals and families of the importance of advance care planning. At Community Hospice & Palliative Care, we see firsthand the impact of clear, documented healthcare preferences on individuals, their families, and their care teams. Our mission is to support and guide patients in making these vital decisions so that their wishes are known and respected, even in times of serious illness or crisis.
Advance care planning ensures that individuals have a voice in their medical care, even when they cannot communicate their wishes. Without documented preferences, families and healthcare providers may be left making difficult decisions without guidance, adding stress and uncertainty to an already emotional time. By proactively engaging in discussions about healthcare preferences, individuals can ensure that their care aligns with their values and priorities.
To help individuals make these decisions, Community Hospice & Palliative Care supports the use of Five Wishes, a nationally recognized advance care planning program. Five Wishes is more than just a legal document; it is a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool that helps individuals express their personal, emotional, and spiritual needs and medical preferences. Recognized in most states, including Florida, Five Wishes serves as a roadmap for loved ones and healthcare providers, ensuring that end-of-life care aligns with what matters most to the individual.
In addition, ensuring that advance directives are readily available when needed is more important than ever. MyDirectives is an innovative online tool that allows individuals to create, store, and share their advance care plans electronically. Community Hospice & Palliative Care encourages using this platform to make healthcare preferences easily accessible to medical providers and family members, ensuring that critical information is available immediately. By integrating MyDirectives into advance care planning, we help ensure that healthcare choices are honored when they matter most.
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a powerful reminder that planning is a gift—to yourself, your loved ones, and your healthcare team. Community Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to guiding individuals through this important process with compassion and expertise.
We invite you to take the first step today:
- Have a conversation with your loved ones about your healthcare preferences.
- Explore the resources available through Five Wishes.
- Create and store your advance directive using MyDirectives.
By taking action now, you ensure that your voice is heard, and your wishes are honored, bringing peace of mind to you and those who care for you. Let’s work together to make informed healthcare decisions a priority for everyone in our community.