April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day and you may see more information about advance care planning
It is important that you share with your family what your wishes would be if you could not speak for yourself in a medical crisis. The Conversation Project has developed a toolkit to help you begin this difficult conversation if you have a serious illness. The toolkit helps you talk about what matters to you. This conversation is so much more important than filling out a form. Your priorities may change. If you have a serious illness, it is especially important to have conversations about what matters each time your health changes, such as when you are hospitalized. Make sure you talk to your healthcare providers as well as your family.
If you are not seriously ill, there is a Conversation Starter Guide that will help you talk in general about your values and preferences.
You should make sure you complete a Medical Power of Attorney form to identify who you want to make decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Then make sure you share your preferences for care with this person. You can read more about advance care planning at this link:- Advance Care Planning
You can also find out more at http://wvendoflife.org