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Sandy Wilburn
Sandy Wilburn was raised in Wichita and received her BA in Liberal Arts from Wichita State University. She has a minor in women’s studies, and has been an active volunteer for the YWCA’S Women’s Crisis Center for over 10 years. Working with the elderly is a true calling for her and she has also facilitated an Alzheimer’s support group. Sandy works with the Department on Aging helping to do CARE ASSESSMENTS on the elderly that are entering nursing facilities. Sandy is the social worker for Trinity Hospice and can be reached at 316-686-5999.
Hospice
2008-04-01 12:10:00
Documentation everyone should have
Answer: The most important documentation I have seen to be is the durable medical power of attorney and the “living will”. It has been my experience that families prolong openly discussing these important issues with loved ones and then it is either too late as the person has diminished mental capacity or a crisis situation has arisen and there is no clear legal documentation stating patients’ choice. Natural human decline and unforeseen accidents, stroke or heart attacks can occur quicker than one thinks. Today’s highly advanced medical technologies and procedures can enable a terminal patient’s life to be extended indefinitely. It is this medical progress which has brought to light the need for everyone to have a durable medical power of attorney and a “living will”. You may ask what are a durable medical power of attorney and a “living will”? A durable medical power of attorney is a document that lets you include specific instructions about your medical treatment, and lets you designate a person or persons who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself. A Living Will is a document that instructs physicians, relatives and others to refrain from using extraordinary measures to prolong your life if you have a terminal illness or are in a vegetative state. Both of these declarations are legal documents which must be signed by the individual, notarized and or witnessed by two persons other than family members or those named in the document. Many times families are aware of what measures of treatment their loved ones want or do not want, but without this important legal designation, it could become a reason for dispute at some later date in time or simply be just too late to cohesively discuss with the person in need of medical attention. It is important to remember that the durable medical power of attorney designee is only able to make medical decisions for the person if they are incapacitated or unable to speak for themselves. Truly everyone, young and old should address these issues of what are your true feelings about your own medical care and treatment if the unthinkable should happen and you are faced with extraordinary measures being taken with your person and your thoughts on quality of life. Both of these documents are available for free through the Kansas Health Ethics at 684-1991 or by contacting an attorney of your choosing.
 
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