Research shows that end-of-life conversations are fairly rare within families. Often families are left to assume what a person might have wanted, and during a time of grief those can be especially challenging decisions.
An advance health care directive is a legal document that tells a doctor the patient’s wishes for health care in case the patient is unable to voice their opinions. Approximately 3 in 4 American adults don’t have advance health care directives in place.
Kansas law allows residents to fill out a simple form that records a name, address and phone number in order to establish a durable power of attorney – or someone who can make health care decisions on your behalf. Kansans must sign the form and have at least one witness to their signature. The form does not need to be notarized.
The form is available online from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore in the publication titled Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas; or any Post Rock Extension District Office.
The forms are recommended for anyone over age 18 in Kansas. Advance health care planning can start when you’re 18 years old. Accidents, tragedies, life events can happen at any point.
Once the form is complete, it’s still important to communicate your wishes to anyone who might have a say in your health care. Especially the person that you’ll appoint in your durable power of attorney to speak for you in the event that something would happen. This person needs to be aware of what your wishes are. You need to be sure that person will be willing to support you on your behalf and do what you would like.
By: Brenda Langdon
