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Des Moines, Iowa; April 11, 2024 – An unexpected medical crisis can leave you unable to make decisions about your care. In the U.S., it’s estimated that 66% of adults have not completed an advance directive. An advance directive documents the decisions about your future medical needs if you cannot speak for yourself. With a plan in place, family and loved ones are prepared to make a difficult choice about your care.
Commit to completing the proper paperwork or reviewing your completed advance directives in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on Tuesday, April 16. It’s an opportunity 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, you will have peace of mind knowing your family and medical providers are informed no matter what the future holds.

Ask your MercyOne provider for more information on advance care planning and the steps to create an advance directive, or visit MercyOne.org.