If you were in an accident today, do you know who will make healthcare decisions for you if you can’t?

April 16 of each year is National Healthcare Decisions Day, an opportunity to gain knowledge and insight.

More than 90 percent of Americans know about advance directives, (living wills and power of attorney) and they say they want one. Unfortunately, less than 25 percent of us have anything in writing.

Advance directives are about how you want to live – not how you want to die! They can help make sure others know what is important to you. It is a good idea for anyone at any age to complete one, but for sure if you are over 50.

A well-informed decision-maker (named in a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) will help ensure that your wishes are honored. Excellent documents are available for free at Honoring Choices: Pacific Northwest (www.honoringchoicespnw.org).

You can complete these forms yourself at home. Upload your completed documents through My Chart or ask your provider’s office to help. Also, your MyChart health record has an “Advance Care Planning” tab that helps you prepare for completing your documents and/or a conversation with your provider.

Cathe Clapp
PORT TOWNSEND