Choosing a back-up driver

We are continuing our journey on successful living. Our next step is to Choose a Back-up Driver.

A health care power of attorney or health care proxy designation form, the second type of advance directive, allows you to choose someone you trust to "drive" (take charge of your health care decisions) in case you are unable to make those decisions yourself.

You might want to pick a family member or friend who is comfortable talking to doctors.

If you don't decide who can "drive" and you end up unconscious, you might end up being taken on a health care journey that is contrary to your values, wishes and choices.

Choose someone you trust to be your back-up driver so that when unexpected road blocks appear along your journey, your back-up driver is able to choose a detour that is in keeping with your values, wishes and choices.

Your health care journey may involve traveling long distances, so prepare your back-up driver by reviewing your map with and allowing them to ask questions so they are prepared when it is their turn to drive.

A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document.

In Kansas, you do not need a lawyer to complete the form, as Kansas statutes offer "fill-in-the-blank" forms that you may complete on your own. It is recommended that you use these forms if you are not using the services of an attorney.

The durable power of attorney for health care form must be dated and signed in the presence of two witnesses who are at least 18 years of age. The witnesses may not be related to you by blood, marriage or adoption, entitled to your estate, or directly responsible financially for your health care. Another option is to have the durable power of attorney for health care form acknowledged before a notary public.

Once you have completed a durable power of attorney for health care, you may want to talk to your family, friends, and health care providers about your wishes, the decisions that you have outlined and the content and location of your durable power of attorney for health care document.

This may help avoid any confusion during what is sure to be a stressful time for those who love you and care for you.

You also may want to consider carrying a copy with you or at least placing a note in your wallet or purse stating that you have a durable power of attorney for health care and where it can be found. You may want to consider placing copies of your form in your automobile's glove box.

More information about and a state-approved form can be found at http://www.aging.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=91.

For more information, consult www.southwind.ksu.edu, extensionmatters.wordpress.com, or contact (620) 244-3826, tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Editor's Note: Tara Solomon is a K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Extension agent assigned to Southwind District.