National Healthcare Decisions Day

"In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." ~Benjamin Franklin

Most of us know that Tax Day is April 15th. But did you know that April 16th is National Healthcare Decisions Day? It’s the perfect time to take a few minutes and think about your healthcare wishes—just like you set aside time to take care of your taxes.

Things change from year to year—our relationships, our health, even our priorities. I was recently sitting with a client, going over her paperwork, when she realized that her ex-husband was still listed as her medical power of attorney. They had been divorced for years! It was a good reminder that this stuff isn’t “one and done.” It needs a check-in now and then.

So what is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) all about? It’s a day focused on helping people understand the importance of advance care planning—things like naming someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself, and documenting your wishes through forms like advance directives.

But even more than paperwork, it’s about starting real, honest conversations. Talking about end-of-life care might not be your favorite topic—but it’s one of the kindest things you can do for the people who love you. When your wishes are clear, your loved ones don’t have to guess. You give them clarity, and peace.

If you’re not sure where to begin—or if this feels a little overwhelming—here are a few great resources that can help:

• The Conversation Project

• Five Wishes

• CaringInfo

And if you need help starting the conversation, here are a few simple ways to open the door:

• “I need your help with something important.”

• “Can we talk about some healthcare decisions—just in case something ever happens?”

• “I was thinking about what happened to [someone] and it made me realize how important this is.”

• “Even though I’m okay right now, I’ve been thinking about the future. Can we talk about what matters to me?”

• “I came across these questions from The Conversation Project and I’d love to share my answers with you.”

These conversations don’t have to be heavy or complicated. They can be gentle, loving, and even a little funny. But the most important thing is to have them—and not wait until there’s a crisis.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’d love to help. Whether you need guidance with the documents, want someone to talk things through with, or just need a nudge in the right direction, I’m here.

Today is the perfect day to start getting your paperwork in order.

Let’s make April 16th more than just the day after tax day.

Let’s make it a day to care for the people we love—and for ourselves.