Advance Health Care Directives Important to All Adults

Nora Rhoades - Family and Youth Development Agent

As a cognitively healthy adult, you have the right to be informed about the state of your health and make your own decisions about medical treatment. But, what happens if you become unable to voice your own decisions?

If a person becomes incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently, advance health care planning comes into play. Forming advance health care directives while being cognitively healthy allows a person to voice his or her wishes regarding future health care, in the event that person eventually becomes unable to do so.

Many people start the planning process as older adults, but this is something any person over the age of 18 should consider. At any point in life, tragedies – a car accident, farming accident or sudden serious disease – can happen.

The most common advance directives include a durable power of attorney for health care, living will and a do not resuscitate directive. A booklet with a copy of the Kansas statute forms for these directives, in addition to other important health care information, is available from K-State Research and Extension. You can access the “Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas” booklet at http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf or by visiting any Post Rock District Extension Office.

Updating and Storing Documentation

People should review their advance health care directives documentation at least once a year to make sure it still aligns with their wishes. Also review the documents any time after a major life event, such as a marriage, divorce or separation.

To revoke the documentation, simply destroy it and complete new state statute forms. Keep note on who has copies of the forms, so that those copies are destroyed and replaced with new copies.

Make sure the durable power of attorney for health care, close family and friends, the local hospital and a primary care physician have copies of the forms. Consider keeping a copy in the glove box of the car, on the refrigerator, or somewhere open and accessible at home. Don’t just keep it in a safety deposit box at your bank because if something were to happen to you, there are few people, if anyone, who have access to that box and can get the documents for you.

The booklet available through K-State Research and Extension has a wallet card for people to carry that allows them to list places where their advance health care documentation is stored.

It’s important to note that copies are valid. So even if you keep an original in a safety deposit box, for example, if your son is your agent and he comes with a copy, that will be honored.

People should also know that each state has its own statute forms, and it is not guaranteed another state will accept the Kansas forms. If you move to or spend a large amount of time in another state, fill out forms in that state as well. This will help ensure your wishes will be honored no matter what state you’re in.

Again, a booklet with a copy of the Kansas statute forms for advance health care directives, in addition to other important health care information, is available from K-State Research and Extension. You can access the “Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas” booklet at http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf or by visiting any Post Rock District Extension Office.