Resources
Advanced Directives
It's important to make your end-of-life wishes known throught advance directives such as a living well, durable power of attorney or do not resuscitate orders. These legal documents can help ease the burdens your family may encounter if faced with makind difficult health care decisions for you.
Living Will
A livig will identifies what medical action should be taken when caring for an individual who is not longer able to make independent decisions. It provides instruction as to when treatment should or should not be performed. It does not appoint another person to make health care decisions for you.
Kansas Declaration Living Will
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A durable power of attorney allows you to designate another person to make health care decisions on your behalf. Naming this person as your agent gives them the authority to direct what medical treatment you receive.
Do Not Resuscitate Orders
Todays technology has giben medical professionals the ability to restore and support a patient's breathing and heart function by mechanical means. Many times this is beneficial. In some cases, such as a terminally ill patient, it does not improve the outcome. If you do not want to be resuscitated, ask your physician to write a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) to have available in your home.
If you have questions about any type of advance directive, please ask. We're ready to help you understand.