Planning for major life events is essential, but it’s equally important to have a plan in place for your health decisions, according to doctors. Medical emergencies such as car accidents and sudden illness can arise, leaving you unable to communicate your wishes. National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed on April 16, serves as a reminder of the importance of advanced care planning.
As part of this day, UW Health advises patients to select a trusted individual to be their health care advocate or power of attorney for health care in case they are unable to make decisions themselves. Creating an advance directive, a legal document that outlines your preferences and allows you to have a say in your future health care, is also recommended.
UW Health reports that over 5,000 individuals have benefited from the expanded advance care planning services offered in the past two years. This process can be completed in as little as 10 minutes and helps individuals feel empowered and secure about their health care decisions. Dr. Mark Micek, UW Health’s medical director of population health, encourages patients to openly discuss their goals and values with their healthcare provider and loved ones, as no one knows what the future holds.
Free webinars are available through UW Health to guide individuals through the steps of completing a power of attorney document. These webinars are open to the public, regardless of whether they are a patient at UW Health. Residents of Illinois and Wisconsin can access and download health forms from the UW Health website to begin their advance care planning process.
Advanced care planning is essential for ensuring that you get the medical treatment that aligns with your wishes during times when you may not be able to make decisions for yourself. It’s important to take proactive steps towards securing your future healthcare needs so that you don’t leave everything up in the air during an emergency situation.
UW Health provides various resources for patients who want to learn more about advanced care planning services including free webinars that guide them through creating an advance directive or selecting a power of attorney for healthcare. With these resources at hand, people can prepare themselves better for any eventuality.
Moreover, it’s crucial that people communicate openly with their healthcare providers and loved ones about their goals and values regarding healthcare matters. By doing so
