Advancing End-of-Life Conversations

April 7, 2026

VNHCH Marks April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day

NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) is joining organizations across the country in recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on April 16 — an annual effort to encourage adults of all ages to document their healthcare wishes before a crisis occurs.

Studies suggest only about one in four adults has completed any form of advance care planning. VNHCH is working to change that locally through the free, in-home services of Community Health Worker Jennifer Robinson, who helps individuals and families complete advance care directives at no cost.

“I go to people’s homes to walk them through the process,” said Robinson. “I’m a notary too, so I’m a one-stop shop. It’s an important document for anyone over the age of 18 — not only because you want your wishes known, but because it’s a gift for your family. They don’t have to figure out what you would have wanted in a time that’s already stressful.” 

Jennifer can work with people in VNHCH offices to complete their directives too.

What Is an Advance Care Directive?

An advance care directive documents the medical care you would want if you become unable to speak for yourself. It has two components: a Living Will, which details your preferences around life-sustaining treatment, and a Health Care Proxy, which designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

VNHCH can help individuals navigate several directive options, including the standard New Hampshire and Maine advance directive documents, the Dartmouth Dementia Directive for those with cognitive concerns, and the 5 Wishes document, which covers comfort, treatment preferences, and personal messages to loved ones. Robinson notes that while NH and Maine documents are reciprocal, Maine’s tends to provide more detailed guidance and can be used alongside the NH version.

Once complete, copies should be shared with your doctor, hospital or long-term care facility, your designated healthcare agent, and close family members. Robinson recommends reviewing your directive every five years, or after any significant medical event or new diagnosis.

To schedule an in-home appointment or arrange a group presentation, contact Jennifer Robinson at 603-356-7006 ext. 141 or visit https://tinyurl.com/VNHCHAdvanceDirectives

For more information about National Healthcare Decisions Day, visit nhdd.org.