Why National Healthcare Decisions Day Matters — and What You Can Do Today

Posted by Bristol Hospice | April 16

Every year on April 16, we recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD)—a day dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering individuals to take charge of their healthcare wishes before a crisis happens.

At Bristol Hospice, we walk alongside patients and families during some of life’s most sacred moments. And one thing we see time and again is how impactful it is when patients have clearly communicated their goals and values long before a health crisis begins.

💬 Why Advance Care Planning Is So Important

Advance care planning means thinking about the kind of medical care you’d want if you were unable to speak for yourself—and making those wishes known. It includes steps like:

  • Talking with your loved ones about your values and care preferences

  • Choosing a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf (a healthcare proxy)

  • Completing documents like an Advance Directive or POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form

These conversations aren’t always easy—but they are acts of love, protection, and clarity.

“Making your decisions known is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.”
– A Bristol Case Manager

📄 How to Start the Conversation

Here are three simple steps you can take today:

  1. Reflect on your own values—What matters most to you? What does quality of life look like?

  2. Talk with someone you trust. Let them know how you feel and what you’d want in a medical situation.

  3. Document your wishes. Complete a legal advance directive and share it with your family and healthcare provider.

🗣️ Starting the Conversation with an Aging Parent

It’s natural to feel unsure about how to begin this conversation—especially with a parent or loved one who may not want to think about these topics. But often, they’re more open to talking than we expect. Here are a few tips to help you start:

1. Choose the right moment.

Pick a quiet time when you’re not rushed or distracted—maybe over coffee or during a calm evening at home.

2. Use a story or recent event.

You can open with:
“A friend of mine had to make healthcare decisions for their dad without really knowing what he wanted. It made me realize I should ask you what you’d want, just in case.”

3. Express love and intention.

Let them know this conversation is about respecting their wishes:
“I want to make sure we always honor what’s most important to you—whatever that may be.”

4. Keep it simple at first.

You don’t have to cover everything in one talk. Starting with “What matters most to you if you were really sick?” can open the door.

🔗 Helpful Resources

To help you begin, here are some trusted resources:

If you’re not sure where to start, our team at Bristol Hospice is always here to answer questions and offer support.

💙 Our Commitment

We are proud to advocate for compassionate, person-centered care. That begins with listening—to our patients, to their families, and to their goals. On National Healthcare Decisions Day, we recommit to honoring every voice and helping every individual receive the care that reflects their values.

Because at Bristol Hospice, your decisions matter. Your voice matters.