It's never too early: Why healthcare decisions matter at every age

When people hear “advance care planning,” they often think it’s something to do later in life. But the truth is, healthcare decisions matter at every age. Healthcare Decisions Day is one reminder that making your wishes known isn’t about fear; it’s about peace of mind. It’s about making sure your voice is heard, no matter what the future holds. 

What is advanced care planning? 

Advance care planning means thinking ahead about the care you would want if you couldn’t speak for yourself. 

This can include: 

• Choosing someone you trust to make decisions for you  
• Writing down your care preferences  
• Talking with your loved ones about what matters most to you  

These choices are often written in documents like a living will or an advance directive. 

Advanced directives are not just for older adults 

Life can be unpredictable. That’s why having a plan in place matters, no matter your age or health. 

Advance care planning is helpful if you: 

• Are starting a family 
• Have a new diagnosis or ongoing health condition 
• Are planning for surgery 
• Simply want to be prepared  

Having a plan doesn’t mean something bad will happen. It means you’re taking care of yourself and the people who care about you. 

These conversations matter because they can ease future burden on your loved ones in the event the advanced directive is needed. Talking about your wishes can feel uncomfortable at first. That’s normal. But these conversations can bring clarity and comfort over time. 

They can help: 

• Reduce stress for your loved ones  
• Prevent confusion during medical situations  
• Ensure your care matches your values  
• Give you a sense of control and peace 

You don’t have to have all the answers. Starting the conversation is what matters most. 

How to get started 

You don’t need to figure everything out at once. Small steps can make a big difference. 

You can start by: 

• Thinking about what matters most to you 
• Talking with someone you trust 
• Writing down your preferences 
• Reviewing your choices over time  

If you’re not sure how to begin, tools like The Conversation Project offer simple, guided ways to start the discussion. 

At Reid Health, we also offer resources to help you take the next step. 

Tools and support to make the conversation easier 

We’re here to make this process easier and more comfortable. 

You can: 

• Learn more about advance directives here: Reid Health Advanced Directives Resources
• Document your wishes directly in MyChart
• Talk with your care team about your options