April 16th is National Health Care Decisions Day — a time set aside each year to highlight something we all tend to put off: conversations about our health, our values, and what kind of care we would want if we could no longer speak for ourselves.

As an estate planning attorney in Connecticut, I have these conversations with clients regularly. And while they’re not always easy, they’re among the most important discussions a person can have. Health Care Decisions Day is a reminder that we all have the right — and the responsibility — to make our own medical choices, and to make sure those choices are known and respected.

Why Advance Care Planning Matters

You might think of estate planning as something primarily financial — wills, trusts, powers of attorney. But in reality, much of what I do revolves around helping people protect their personal dignity, autonomy, and peace of mind. That’s where advance health care planning comes in.

Without clear documentation of your wishes, your loved ones may be left to guess about the kind of care you would want in a crisis. Would you want life-sustaining treatment no matter the circumstances? Would you want to avoid aggressive interventions if there’s little hope of recovery? Who should speak on your behalf if you cannot?

I’ve seen families torn apart by these decisions. I’ve also seen the calm and confidence that comes when a client has put their wishes in writing and designated someone they trust to make decisions for them.

 

Related Post: Who Has The Legal Power To Make Decisions For You?

 

What the Law Provides in Connecticut

In Connecticut, we have clear and specific tools available to help you express your wishes:

1. Living Will: This written document spells out what kinds of life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want. For example, you can express whether you’d want to be kept alive on a ventilator, receive artificial nutrition and hydration, or be resuscitated in certain circumstances.
2. Appointment of a Health Care Representative: This allows you to legally name someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This person, often a spouse, adult child, or trusted friend — becomes your voice when you cannot speak for yourself.
3. Document of Anatomical Gift: Also known as an organ donation form, this is your opportunity to state your wishes about donating organs or tissues after your death.
4. Designation of a Conservator of the Person: While more future-focused, this document allows you to name someone you would trust to manage your care if a court ever needed to appoint a conservator due to incapacity.

These tools are authorized under Connecticut General Statutes §§ 19a-570 to 19a-580d and are widely respected by medical providers and institutions throughout the state.

It’s Not Just for Older Adults

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that advance care planning is only necessary for the elderly or those facing serious illness. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I encourage every adult — especially those over 18 — to have at least basic advance directives in place. Why? Because accidents, illnesses, and emergencies don’t discriminate. In the absence of a legal health care representative, even your closest family members may face delays or barriers when trying to make decisions on your behalf.

For young adults heading off to college or living independently, this can be especially important. As a parent, you might assume you’d be contacted or consulted if your adult child were hospitalized — but legally, that’s not guaranteed unless they’ve named you as their health care representative.

 

Related Post: Legal Protection for Young Adults: 2 Must-Have Documents at 18

 

How to Get Started

This April 16th, I encourage you to take three simple steps:

• Have the conversation. Talk with your family about your values, your beliefs, and your preferences for care. Don’t wait for a diagnosis or a scare.
• Put it in writing. Contact Reed Wilson Case, LLC to complete an Advanced Health Care Directive. We can work with you to tailor the document to your needs and wishes.
• Review and update regularly. Your wishes may evolve over time — especially with major life changes like marriage, illness, or aging. Keep your documents current and make sure your loved ones know where to find them.

A Final Thought

Advance care planning is about taking control — about ensuring your voice is heard even when you can’t speak. It’s an act of self-respect, and just as importantly, an act of love for the people who would otherwise have to make these decisions for you without guidance. This Health Care Decisions Day, don’t just let it pass by. Use it as a prompt to take action, no matter your age or health status. Your future self — and your family — will thank you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and is for general informational purposes only.

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