Honoring NHDD: Calvary’s Commitment to Education and Awareness
Every year, Calvary Hospital participates in National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) as part of our ongoing commitment to informing and educating our community. We take this responsibility seriously and encourage you to share this critical information with your loved ones.
NHDD is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of Advance Care Planning (ACP) and empowering the public and healthcare professionals to engage in these essential conversations.
At Calvary, we take pride in using our platform to advocate for this vital initiative. Our compassionate staff and dedicated service partners join the national and local healthcare community in promoting the importance of Advance Care Planning (ACP) – because making your healthcare wishes known today ensures peace of mind for the future.
Why Advance Care Planning Matters
Advance care planning begins with a simple yet crucial conversation.
There’s a profound truth in the saying:
“Clarity brings peace of mind.”
This is especially relevant to unspoken medical preferences. Even with the best intentions, your family, friends, and medical team cannot fully understand your healthcare wishes unless they are discussed and documented in advance.
The process can feel understandably overwhelming. Getting started today ensures your voice is heard, no matter what the future holds.
Getting Started with Advance Care Planning
Step 1: Start the Conversation
A great resource to help you begin is The Conversation Project – a program that provides a user-friendly Conversation Guide to assist individuals and families in discussing their healthcare preferences.
These guides help navigate discussions about treatment choices, end-of-life care, and personal values, ensuring your wishes – and those of your loved ones – are understood and respected.
Explore the Conversation Guide today and take the first step toward peace of mind.
Step 2: Know Your Rights in New York State
In New York, the Health Care Proxy Law allows you to designate someone you trust – such as a family member or close friend – to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so, serving as your Health Care Agent.
Your Health Care Agent has the authority to:
- Make decisions regarding your medical care if you do not have the capacity to do so.
- Interpret your wishes as your medical condition changes.
A Health Care Agent is a person you choose to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those decisions yourself.
This person is appointed through a legal document called a Health Care Proxy. In New York, you can tell your appointed agent your medical wishes orally or in writing. You can give your healthcare agent as much or as little authority as you prefer. You may also provide specific instructions that they must follow.
Note: Healthcare providers must follow the decisions made by your appointed agent as if they are your own. You can give your healthcare agent as much or as little authority as you prefer. You may also provide specific instructions that they must follow.
Understanding Key Advance Care Planning Documents
What is an Advance Care Plan?
An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a vital component of your overall healthcare directive. It allows you or a loved one to express treatment preferences, values, and medical goals – ensuring that your care aligns with your wishes during unexpected medical situations when direct communication may not be possible.
An Advance Care Plan helps provide:
- Clarity for family members and healthcare providers
- Guidance for timely, well-informed medical decisions
- Peace of mind that your healthcare choices will be honored
Advanced Directives are legal documents that help ensure your medical wishes are known and honored if you’re unable to communicate them. Here in New York State, there are three types:
- Health Care Proxy – Form that allows you to assign someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make decisions for yourself.
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order – This is a medical order from your doctor that tells healthcare providers not to perform CPR if your heart or breathing stops. A DNR must be set up with your doctor before an emergency happens.
- Living Will – A written statement of your medical care preferences, focused on end-of-life treatment. It takes effect only if you cannot make decisions for yourself and after your doctor confirms you have an incurable or terminal condition.
Having a plan in place before a crisis allows healthcare providers and family members to respect and uphold your choices.
Health Care Proxy Form
New York State provides a standard Health Care Proxy form so you can appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. The form is available in multiple languages and has clear instructions.
Download the form here in English, Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, Yiddish, Polish, French, Bengali, Arabic, Urdu.
Take Action: Create Your Advance Care Plan
Step 1: Choose Your Healthcare Agent
Select a trusted individual – such as a close family member or friend – who will advocate for your medical wishes
Step 2: Empower Your Healthcare Agent
Ensure your agent fully understands your healthcare preferences by discussing various medical scenarios and potential treatment options.
Step 3: Define Your Values and Beliefs
Reflect on what matters most in medical care, especially in end-of-life situations. Use tools like values assessments to clarify your priorities.
Step 4: Document Your Wishes
Complete the necessary Advance Directive forms and sign your Health Care Proxy Form to protect your choices legally.
Step 5: Share Your Plan
Discuss your decisions with your medical team and loved ones to ensure alignment with your healthcare goals.
Remember: Your plan can be updated as your wishes evolve.
Spread Awareness – Share This With Your Loved Ones
At Calvary Hospital, education and preparation are key to ensuring dignified and compassionate medical care.
By taking these steps today, you empower yourself and your loved ones to make informed healthcare choices, which will bring comfort, clarity, and peace of mind to all.
Please share this guide with family, friends, and community members to help spread awareness about the importance of Advance Care Planning.
For more information and resources, visit Calvary Hospital’s Advance Care Planning Resources.