Each August marks National Make a Will Month. This annual observance invites everyone to take meaningful action on end‑of‑life planning. At Ascend Hospice Care, we aim to reinforce why advance medical directives and will planning belong at the forefront of thoughtful care.
What Is National Make a Will Month and Why It Matters
National Make a Will Month is a nationwide initiative to encourage every adult to make a will or update an existing one. Despite the importance, studies indicate that only about one-third of Americans have a will in place. This lack can lead to confusion for loved ones, court costs, and delays in settling estate matters.
From our hospice care perspective, creating a will aligns with broader life care planning. It brings peace of mind, ensures individual wishes are respected, and eases the burden on the family. Those receiving hospice care or loved ones often benefit from knowing that a legal hospice approach includes access to advice on wills, hospice trust arrangements, and advance medical directive documentation.
Why August Is the Right Time to Act
How Hospice Care Supports Legal and Life Care Planning
At Ascend Hospice Care, we observe that families facing serious illness benefit greatly when an end-of-life attorney or life care planning lawyer is part of the care team. Legal professionals who specialize in legal hospice matters help clients arrange wills, trusts, and advance medical directive documents.
In Texas, resources such as Legal Hospice of Texas offer pro bono legal support for low‑income people with terminal illness or HIV. In the Houston area, volunteer lawyers throughout the city offer free preparation of wills, medical power of attorney, living wills, and other documents for qualified clients.
Even if someone cannot yet afford a full estate planning attorney, these opportunities exist. Making a will during Make a Will Month can be expedited with help from online tools, community clinics, or referrals from hospice care professionals.
Practical Steps for Make a Will Month
Perspectives from Hospice Care: Why It Matters Now
As an experienced hospice agency, we often see families facing difficult decisions. Without a will or an advance medical directive, loved ones may not know your wishes at a critical moment.
We strive to offer legal hospice support to our patients by providing information and referrals to end-of-life attorneys and life care planning lawyers. Making these documents accessible and part of ongoing conversations with patients and families reflects compassionate, holistic care.
Hospice trust provisions help set aside resources for care expenses. Planning in August, during Make a Will Month, often gives families a concrete time to begin discussions and to act.
Make a Will Month Is a Call to Empowerment
National Make a Will Month in August is not about fearing death; it is about taking control, protecting your loved ones, and ensuring your values endure. A will, plus an advance medical directive and proper guidance, form the foundation of responsible, compassionate planning.
At Ascend Hospice Care, we encourage every adult to take this opportunity now. Seek out a trusted attorney, access free clinics, or ask your hospice provider for guidance. Make a will. Create an advance medical directive. Craft a comprehensive plan so that your care, legal affairs, and legacy are clear and secure.
