Imagine being surrounded by loved ones who understand and respect your wishes, even when you can’t speak for yourself. This is what happens when you take control of your end of life decisions. For seniors in Mission, planning ahead is a powerful way to ensure that your values and preferences are honored, even in the most challenging times.
Despite the importance of advance care planning, studies have shown that only about one-third of U.S. adults have completed an advance directive, including 29.3% with living wills. So in this article, we’re breaking down how to create a clear plan for your future care, using options like advance care planning and healthcare proxies.
What are End of Life Decisions?
End of life decisions are about making choices now to guide what happens later, especially when you can no longer make those decisions yourself. These choices go beyond just medical care. They include:
- How you want to be treated
- Who should speak for you
- What kind of legacy you want to leave behind
This process also helps you reflect on what truly matters to you. Whether it’s:
- Staying at home as long as possible or independent living
- Avoiding certain medical treatments
- Making sure a trusted person handles your affairs
- Wanting specific senior healthcare choices like
Your choices shape the care and support you’ll receive. These decisions are deeply personal, and they give you the power to stay in control, even when life feels uncertain.
More than just planning for death, end of life planning ensures your voice is heard when it matters most. Without it, others will have to guess what you would have wanted, which often leads to confusion and disagreements. By taking the time to think through these decisions now, you’re making things easier for everyone involved.
What’s Advance Care Planning Entails
Advance care planning puts your wishes into writing and names the right people to help carry them out. Two of the most important tools for this are:
- A living will
- A healthcare proxy
A living will lets you explain what kind of medical treatments you want or don’t want if you’re unable to speak for yourself. A healthcare proxy allows you to name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Living Will vs. Healthcare Proxy
A living will and a healthcare proxy work together to protect your medical choices. While a living will outlines your preferences, a healthcare proxy steps in to make decisions that might not be covered in your written instructions.
This person should understand your values and be ready to advocate for you when needed. Therefore, choosing someone who is reliable and calm under pressure is ideal.
Another important part of advance care planning is assigning a medical power of attorney. This legal document gives your chosen person the authority to make broader medical decisions for you, not just those tied to specific situations. It’s an extra layer of security that ensures your care stays aligned with your wishes, even in unexpected circumstances.
Documenting Your Wishes
Once you’ve made your decisions, you must get them down on paper. In Mission KS, your advance directive documents must meet specific legal requirements to be valid.
For a living will or healthcare power of attorney, you need to sign the document in front of two witnesses. These witnesses must be at least 18 years old and cannot be related to you by:
- Blood
- Marriage
- Adoption
They also can’t be your healthcare provider or an employee of your healthcare provider. Alternatively, you can have your signature notarized instead of using witnesses.
Mission City Hall offers free notary services, which can be convenient for this purpose. However, it’s important to note that in Kansas, your healthcare proxy (also called a durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions) must be prepared separately from your living will.
Estate Planning for Seniors in Mission KS
Estate planning ensures your belongings and finances are handled the way you want after you’re gone. In Mission, Kansas, there are local resources and professionals who can help you create a plan that fits your needs.
When creating your estate plan in Mission, you’ll likely encounter several important legal documents. These typically include:
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Trust
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
- Beneficiary Designations
- Letter of Intent
Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in your overall estate plan. For example, your will outlines how you want your assets distributed, while a living trust can help your estate avoid probate.
In addition to medical decisions, financial matters also need careful planning. A durable power of attorney for finances allows a trusted individual to manage your money if you become unable to do so. This ensures that bills are paid and financial obligations are met without delay.
Beyond financial authority, it’s important to review beneficiary designations on accounts such as retirement plans and life insurance policies. These designations determine who will receive these assets directly, bypassing probate and ensuring a smoother transfer of wealth.
A well-prepared estate plan protects your legacy and gives your loved ones clear guidance. Without a plan, the state of Kansas will decide how to divide your assets, which might not align with your wishes.
By creating a will or trust, you can:
- Name beneficiaries
- Choose an executor
- Make special arrangements for sentimental items or charitable donations
This allows you to leave behind something meaningful for the people or causes you care about most.
Securing Your Tomorrow
Planning for your future care is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. By taking these steps, you’re ensuring that your voice will be heard and your wishes respected, even if you can’t speak for yourself. It’s never too early to start making end of life decisions, and there’s plenty of support available right here in Mission.
As you consider your options, don’t forget to explore senior living communities that can support your end-of-life planning journey. The Welstone At Mission Crossing is a fantastic resource for Mission seniors.
With our beautiful walking trails and vibrant social calendar, The Welstone offers a supportive community where you can thrive. Come down for a tour to explore the spacious apartments and learn about our wellness programs designed to keep you active and engaged.
