Today is Healthcare Decisions Day — a moment to pause, reflect, and take action on one of the most important yet overlooked parts of our health journey: making our healthcare wishes known before there’s a crisis.
Let me ask you something:
If you were unable to speak for yourself, who would speak for you? And how would they know what you want?
A Personal Story That Stays With Me
When I first started my independent advocacy practice, one of my earliest clients was a 60-year-old woman who had suffered a devastating fall down the stairs.
She was vibrant — a wife, mother, and first-time grandmother — in the prime of her life. That evening, she had been preparing for her grandbaby’s first birthday party. Everything changed in an instant. Her injuries left her hospitalized for weeks and in a skilled nursing facility for months.
I was brought in to help fill in the gaps in her care and manage her eventual transition home. But there was one major problem: she didn’t have an advance directive in place.
That absence made everything harder.
Her spouse couldn’t automatically access her medical information. He had no clear authority to make care decisions. Every transition between care facilities felt like starting over. Each one required a new process to officially recognize him as her representative.
Since then, I’ve supported countless families through medical crises — and here’s what I’ve noticed:
The common thread is almost always the same. No advance directive.
Why This Matters for Everyone — Including You
I’m not sharing this to scare you — I’m sharing it to help you feel empowered.
Life is unpredictable, but we can plan ahead. There may come a time when someone else will need to make decisions on your behalf. An advance directive gives your loved ones a clear roadmap so they’re not left guessing — and your wishes are respected.
At Healthwhiz Concierge, we’ve been helping individuals with advance care planning for over five years. One thing we hear often is, “I just didn’t know where to start.”
The couple I mentioned earlier had actually spoken to a lawyer months before the accident. They were given the forms — and then nothing happened.
Others tell us they were hesitant, unsure of what signing an advance directive really meant.
Let’s clear that up: You’re not giving up your rights.
As long as you’re able to speak for yourself, your voice always takes priority over anything or anyone written in an advance directive.
What Is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself. It typically includes two parts:
- Health Care Proxy (also called a Healthcare Power of Attorney)
This lets you choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you — your “voice” when you can’t speak. Everyone over 18 should have a proxy. Without one, hospitals must follow strict privacy laws, which can delay decision-making in critical situations.
- Living Will
This outlines what kind of care you do — or do not — want. For example, it can guide decisions about life-sustaining treatments or end-of-life care. It’s your blueprint, helping your proxy and doctors align care with your wishes.
Pro Tip: Don’t just fill out the forms — talk about them. Share your choices with your proxy, family members, and healthcare team.
Making Advance Directives Easy and Affordable
You don’t need a lawyer to complete an advance directive. The forms are publicly available and often free.
Online platforms like FiveWishes, MyDirectives, and LegalZoom let you complete the process digitally and securely.
Some health plans — including Medicare and Medicare Advantage — even cover advance directive services. Ask us how.
How Healthwhiz Concierge Can Help
We know this process can feel overwhelming.
That same couple I mentioned? The husband later told me how confused and stuck they felt — even after being handed the right forms.
They became the inspiration behind our approach. I realized giving people the paperwork wasn’t enough. What they really needed was someone to walk them through it — to coach, explain, and support.
And that’s what sets Healthwhiz Concierge apart.
Our trained advisors and advocates provide one-on-one guidance to help you complete your advance directive with confidence. Through our digital platform, we guide you through a series of clear, simple questions to:
✅ Name your healthcare proxy
✅ Create a digital advance care plan
✅ Ensure your documents are certified to meet your state’s requirements
✅ Add optional video or audio messages to personalize your wishes
✅ Store your documents securely and make them accessible to your care team 24/7
Already have your documents? Excellent! We’ll help you store them securely — and update them as your health or wishes change.
Take the First Step Today
Advance care planning isn’t just about legal documents — it’s a gift to the people who love you.
Let’s make sure your voice is heard, no matter what the future holds.
Start your Advance Care Plan with Healthwhiz Concierge — it’s easier than you think, and we’re here to help.