National Healthcare Decisions Day: Planning today for peace of mind tomorrow
We believe that one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones is the comfort of knowing your healthcare wishes. That’s why we proudly recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) each year on April 16th—a day that encourages individuals to have important conversations and complete the documents that ensure their voice is heard, even if they can’t speak for themselves.
As a nonprofit organization committed to compassionate care, we see every day how thoughtful planning brings peace of mind not only to patients but also to families navigating serious illness or end-of-life care. Whether you’re young and healthy or living with a chronic condition, it’s never too early to make your wishes known.
Let’s take a look at five key advance care planning documents that can help you make your wishes known:
Living Will
A Living Will outlines the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you do or do not want if you’re unable to communicate your wishes. This might include decisions about CPR, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, or dialysis. A Living Will helps healthcare providers and family members understand your preferences and avoid uncertainty during difficult times.
Five Wishes®
The Five Wishes® document is a popular and easy-to-use advance directive that goes beyond medical decisions. It addresses:
- Who you want to make decisions for you
- The kind of medical treatment you want
- How comfortable you want to be
- How you want to be treated
- What you want your loved ones to know
It’s a compassionate and holistic approach that brings heart and humanity into your healthcare planning.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form
A DNR form tells medical professionals not to perform CPR if your heart stops or you stop breathing. This form is important for people who have a serious illness or frailty and have made the personal decision not to prolong life through emergency resuscitation. It must be signed by a physician and is often posted somewhere visible in the home or included in your medical record.
Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)
The MOST form is a physician-signed medical order used in North Carolina and other states that translates your wishes into actionable medical instructions. It goes further than a DNR and can include preferences about feeding tubes, antibiotics, and other medical interventions. It’s especially helpful for patients with advanced illness or frailty and is designed to travel with the patient across care settings.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA)
A Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. This person—often called your “healthcare proxy” or “agent”—can speak on your behalf, ensuring that your wishes are followed even if situations arise that you didn’t plan for specifically in writing.
Check out this guide from the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) providing tips for healthcare planning with your family.
Why these documents matter
Advance care planning isn’t just about legal forms—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about ensuring that your care aligns with your values, beliefs, and priorities. It’s about easing the burden on loved ones who might otherwise have to guess what you would have wanted during a crisis.
Mountain Valley encourages open, honest conversations between families, healthcare providers, and loved ones. Our team is here to help you understand your options and access the resources you need to start planning today.
*2021 study published in The Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. **The Conversation Project 2018 national survey
Need Help Getting Started?
We’re here for you. Whether you need guidance on how to complete these documents or want to learn more about planning ahead, our compassionate team can help. Contact us today and take a step toward clarity, comfort, and control.
Your voice matters—and we’re here to help you make sure it’s heard.
