Advance Healthcare Decisions: It’s Never Too Soon to Think Ahead
Planning ahead puts you in the driver’s seat
Who do you want to speak on your behalf about your healthcare needs if you are unable to voice your thoughts? Does anyone even know what your preferences are?
If not, then it’s time to start that conversation.
Who’s your designated person(s)? What do you want them to know?
The more you weigh your options and speak up – before a medical crisis happens – the better your health care can be. Putting it in writing is even better! It’s never too soon to think about and talk about these important topics. If you wait too long, life may happen to you. If you are unable to make (or express) choices about your healthcare needs, someone else will have to do it–and you may not be happy with the choices they make.
So let’s get started!
Use these resources to help make those conversations easier, get specific about what’s really important to you, and document those decisions in advance.
Resources to help guide your conversations
- CaringInfo (NHPCO)
https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/
- Center for Practical Bioethics
https://www.practicalbioethics.org/programs/advance-care-planning/
- The Conversation Project: Helping people share their wishes for care through the end of life.
https://theconversationproject.org/ | Free Guides: https://theconversationproject.org/get-started - Advance Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions form [Download here.]
Don’t have a printer? No worries!
John Knox Village residents can pick up printed copies of the advance directive forms at the concierge desks beginning March 31, 2023.
Not a resident? Visit your local public library and ask a librarian to print one for you.
- Questions? If you have questions about advance directives you are welcome to call Village Hospice, your local and not-for-profit hospice agency, at 816-525-0986. Village Hospice serves patients in multiple counties in and around the Kansas City area, as well as at John Knox Village, in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Published 03/31/23