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The Medical Decisions You Should Make Before a Crisis Happens

April 13, 2026

No one expects a medical emergency. But life is unpredictable and a crisis can happen at any age.

If it did, would your loved ones know what you’d want?

Who should make decisions for you? And what kind of care would you choose – or not choose?

“Most people assume their family will just know what to do,” says Sowmya Kurtakoti, MD, system medical director for geriatrics and palliative care at Hartford HealthCare. “But in reality, those decisions can be incredibly stressful and unclear without guidance for families.”

That’s why planning ahead matters more than you might think. Here’s what to know about making important medical decisions before a crisis happens.

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It starts with an advance directive

An advance directive is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

“It allows you to clearly communicate your wishes ahead of time,” Dr. Kurtakoti says. “That way, your care team and your loved ones aren’t left guessing.”

A living will outlines the care you want

One part of an advance directive is a living will, which outlines the types of medical care you would or would not want in a serious illness or emergency.

This can include decisions about:

Life-sustaining treatments
Resuscitation (CPR)
Mechanical ventilation
Feeding tubes
Comfort care

And while it might sound complicated, it doesn’t have to be.

“It’s really about thinking through what matters most to you,” Dr. Kurtakoti adds.

You can also choose someone to speak for you

Part of the process includes naming a healthcare representative– someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.

“This should be someone who understands your values and is willing to advocate for your wishes,” Dr. Kurtakoti says.

It doesn’t have to be a spouse or family member, just someone who can handle difficult decisions under pressure.

And more importantly, it’s someone you’ve talked to ahead of time.

These aren’t just decisions for older adults

It’s a common misconception that advance directives are only for seniors or people with serious illness.

But unexpected situations can happen at any age.

“I encourage all adults, even if you are healthy, to have these conversations,” Dr. Kurtakoti says. “It’s not just for those who are older or have medical conditions. Planning ahead is part of taking control of your health.”

Even a basic plan can make a big difference.

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It’s less about paperwork and more about conversation

Filling out forms is important, but it’s only one piece of the process. The real value comes from talking openly with your loved ones.

“Having these conversations ahead of time can relieve a huge emotional burden,” Dr. Kurtakoti says. “It gives families clarity and confidence during very difficult moments.”

You might start by asking yourself:

What does quality of life mean to me?
When would I want aggressive treatment and when wouldn’t I?
What are my biggest fears about medical care?

There’s no right or wrong answer, just what feels right to you.

You can update your decisions anytime

Your preferences may change over time and that’s okay. An advance directive isn’t permanent.

“As your health, values or life circumstances change, you can revisit and update your choices,” Dr. Kurtakoti says.

It’s a good idea to review your plan every few years, or after major life events.

Don’t wait for a crisis to make these decisions

It’s not always easy to think about these topics, but planning ahead gives you a voice, even when you can’t speak for yourself.

And it gives your loved ones something just as important: peace of mind.

“Making these decisions in advance is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family, it’s your best gift to them” Dr. Kurtakoti says. “It ensures your wishes are honored and removes uncertainty during an already stressful time.”