What happens if you can’t speak for yourself during a medical emergency? For many seniors, the answer depends on whether they’ve chosen a healthcare proxy or completed advance directives.
Only about one in three U.S. adults has these legal documents in place, according to a study in Health Affairs. National Healthcare Decisions Day is a timely reminder to make your medical choices known before a crisis.
Today we’re taking a closer look into how Biloxi seniors-living in a historic coastal city known for its strong community ties-can plan ahead with confidence.
What Is National Healthcare Decisions Day?
National Healthcare Decisions Day takes place every year on April 16. It’s meant to raise awareness about making medical choices before a crisis happens.
There are three main ideas behind this day:
- Encouraging honest conversations about future care
- Helping people understand advance directives
- Making sure legal documents are up to date and easy to find
Encouraging Honest Conversations
Many people avoid talking about medical decisions until it’s too late. National Healthcare Decisions Day reminds families to speak openly about what matters most.
These talks can be short, and they don’t have to cover every detail at once. The goal is to share values and wishes early, so others don’t have to guess later.
Helping People Understand Advance Directives
Advance directives are written instructions about future medical care. They include things like living wills and choosing a healthcare proxy.
On this day, many organizations help people learn what these documents mean and why they matter. The more people understand them, the more confident they feel making choices.
Making Sure Legal Documents Are Up to Date and Easy to Find
Even if someone filled out forms years ago, it’s smart to review them every now and then. Doctors and hospitals need to know who to contact and what kind of care is wanted. Keeping papers current and giving copies to family members or a legal advisor can make a big difference when time matters most.
Understanding Advance Directives and Why They Matter
Advance directives are written instructions that help guide your medical care when you’re unable to speak for yourself. They give your loved ones and doctors a clear idea of what treatments you do or don’t want.
There are three main reasons why advance directives matter:
- They protect your medical choices
- They lower stress for your family
- They are a key part of senior legal planning
They Protect Your Medical Choices
Advance directives let you explain your wishes ahead of time. You can say what kinds of treatments you want, like whether you want to be on a breathing machine or kept alive through feeding tubes.
You can also list treatments you do not want. This way, no one has to guess what you would have chosen.
They Lower Stress for Your Family
When there’s no clear plan, family members may struggle to make hard choices during emotional times. Some might disagree with each other.
It can lead to tension or even legal trouble. Advance directives help avoid these problems by laying out your wishes clearly.
They Are a Key Part of Senior Legal Planning
Many seniors in Biloxi take steps to get their finances and wills in order. Advance directives should be part of that same process.
These documents often include appointing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney. Together, these tools help complete the bigger picture of estate planning for aging. Taking care of these forms now can help your loved ones later.
What a Healthcare Proxy Does
A healthcare proxy is someone you choose to speak for you if you’re too sick or hurt to make your own medical decisions. This person may be a family member, close friend, or someone else you trust.
Having a proxy can make sure your choices are followed, even when you can’t share them yourself. Many people include a healthcare proxy when they complete their advance directives or medical power of attorney forms.
There are three main parts to this role:
- They make medical decisions on your behalf
- They speak with doctors and understand care options
- They respect your wishes, not their own
They Make Medical Decisions on Your Behalf
If you’re unable to speak or think clearly during an illness or injury, your healthcare proxy steps in. They speak with your doctors and make choices based on what you’ve shared in advance. It could include decisions about surgery, medication, or long-term care.
They Speak with Doctors and Understand Care Options
A good healthcare proxy knows how to ask questions and gather facts. They stay calm under stress and make choices based on facts, not fear.
Your proxy doesn’t have to be a medical expert. They just need to be someone who can talk clearly with healthcare providers.
They Respect Your Wishes, Not Their Own
A healthcare proxy should never guess or assume. Their job is to follow your values and preferences, even if they wouldn’t make the same choices for themselves. That’s why it’s so important to talk with your proxy in advance and share what matters most to you.
How Biloxi Seniors Can Begin Senior Legal Planning
Start by speaking with a person you trust. This could be a family member, a friend, or someone who knows your values well.
Once you’ve had that talk, the next step is filling out the right forms. Each state has its own version, but the basics are the same. You’ll write down your wishes for care and name your healthcare proxy.
When your forms are complete, keep them in a safe and easy-to-reach spot. Give copies to your proxy, your doctor, and a trusted family member.
National Healthcare Decisions Day in Biloxi
National Healthcare Decisions Day reminds us how important it is to plan ahead.
What our residents love most about living at SummerHouse Bay Cove is the personal care they receive. They can choose between Assisted Living and SHINE® Memory Care, both offering support when they need it. Our apartments overlook Biloxi Bay, and life here feels peaceful, comfortable, and dignified.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one’s retirement years.
