Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Memorial Health raises awareness for advance care planning during National Healthcare Decisions Day. Leaders are encouraging people to start conversations about their future medical care as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day and month.

Nicole Geer, Memorial Health director of behavioral health, and Angie Muhs, manager of external communications, joined the WTAX Morning Newswatch to highlight the importance of advance care planning, a process that involves considering, discussing and documenting preferences for future health care.

The effort aims to ensure individuals have the necessary paperwork in place so their wishes are followed if they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

Advance care planning includes choosing a trusted person to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf and outlining preferences for treatment.

“Life is unpredictable, and it is so important to start the conversations with your family and your loved ones, so in the event something happens, they know that they are making the right decisions and the decisions you would want on your behalf,” Geer said.

Muhs shared a personal experience that showed the importance of planning ahead. Last summer, her husband, Bob Sharp, suffered a fall that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and a low chance of recovery.

Muhs and her family were faced with difficult decisions about his care when he could no longer advocate for himself.

“You hope you never have to use these papers, but if you are in a situation where all the choices are terrible, it helps you at least know what you should pursue,” she added. “It was comfort to have it right there in his own writing that this was not a condition he would want to be in.”

Geer said the first step in the process is simply starting the conversation.

“The most important step is making sure you are having those conversations, putting it on paper, filling out the forms … and also talking to your physicians about it,” she said.

Officials noted that individuals do not need a lawyer to complete advance care planning documents, including naming a power of attorney for health care.

Muhs emphasized that planning ahead can make a difficult situation more manageable.

“You don’t know what life will bring you. We never thought we would need these, but it was certainly helpful to have it,” she said.

Geer also recommends reviewing plans regularly with family members and physicians, as preferences may change over time.

“Your wishes change as life events happen, that way your family is updated,” she said.

Officials said having documentation in place can also help prevent disagreements among family members and provide clarity during hard situations.

Memorial Health offers advance care planning booklets with detailed information and resources, available online at memorial.health.