MercyOne is urging adults to commit to completing advance directives in honor of Healthcare Decisions Day, which is Tuesday, April 16.
The Des Moines-based health system, with healthcare providers and facilities across the Quad Cities region, said in a news release that an estimated 66% of U.S. adults have not completed an advance directive, which documents your decisions about your future medical needs if you cannot speak for yourself.
In a news release, MercyOne said that with an advance directive in place, family and loved ones are prepared to make a difficult choice about your care.
Healthcare Decisions Day is an opportunity for you to plan and have peace of mind while minimizing the stress loved ones may experience during a difficult time.
Advanced care planning tools and resources are available from MercyOne to help guide your discussions.
Advance directives include:
- Living Will – a legal document that defines the types of medical treatment you do or do not want, including preferences on pain relief, life support and efforts to revive you.
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare – a legal document designating who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot.
MercyOne encourages discussing your future healthcare wishes to help remove uncertainty and pressure in times of crisis. By planning now, your family and medical providers are informed no matter what the future holds.
For more information, ask your MercyOne provider about advance care planning and the steps to create an advance directive, or visit MercyOne.org.
