Did you know that less than 25% of Americans have documented their end-of-life care preferences? While it’s a topic many prefer to avoid, discussing and preparing your advance directives now can ease future stress for you and your family.

Understanding Advance Directives in Kansas

In Kansas, you have two key legal documents to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected:

Living Will

A Living Will is a written statement outlining your healthcare preferences if you’re unable to express them due to mental or physical incapacity. It includes instructions on life support termination and only takes effect if two physicians confirm a terminal illness.

Durable Powers of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Your chosen agent can consent to, refuse, or withdraw medical treatments.

Customizing Your Advance Directives

While Kansas provides statutory forms for these documents, an attorney can tailor them to reflect your specific wishes. This customization can prevent stress or conflict among family members if they need to make decisions on your behalf.

Religious Considerations

If religious beliefs influence your end-of-life decisions, consult your spiritual adviser. Different religious groups and sub-groups may have varying stances on these issues.

Living Will vs. Durable Powers of Attorney

The main difference lies in the scope of authority:

• Living Will: Limited to life-sustaining treatment decisions during terminal illness.
• Durable Powers of Attorney: Covers all medical decisions, effective anytime you’re unable to decide.

Consider having both documents to ensure comprehensive coverage, provided they don’t conflict.

Choosing Your Health Care Agent

Selecting a health care agent is crucial. Choose someone you trust, who understands the healthcare system, and can make tough decisions. Ideally, they should live nearby for easy communication with healthcare providers.

After Preparing Your Advance Directives

Once your documents are ready, distribute copies to your physicians, agent, and close family or friends. Keep the originals in a secure, accessible location. By documenting your decisions today, you maintain control over your future healthcare.