Advance Medical Directives
Having a plan for end of life is an important task and should be communicated with your family and health care providers.
During an emergency or at the end of life, you may face questions about your medical treatment and not be able to answer them. You may assume your loved ones know what you would want, but that’s not always true. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering, and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. You also help reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf. It may also help your loved ones grieve more easily and feel less burden, guilt, and depression because the decisions made will be your own.
What are advance directives?
Advance directives are legal documents that provide instructions for medical care and only go into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. An advance directive is a written document that tells your health care providers who should speak for you and what medical decisions they should make if you become unable to speak for yourself.
Advance directives are important in case you are not able to tell people what you want due to sickness or injury. These documents can be used to carry out your wishes in case of terminal illness or an emergency. There are two common types of Medical Directives, the Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney.
Advance directives aren't just for older adults. Unexpected end-of-life situations can happen at any age, so it's important for all adults to prepare these documents
Once you complete your Advance directive, please bring them to the Admissions Section, located on the third floor, RM 3G003. We will upload your advance directives into your electronic medical record for you. It is also a good idea to keep a copy with you in case of emergency and or transferred to a different facility.
Eligible beneficiaries with questions should seek advice from the Fort Riley Legal Assistance Office when determining whether an advance directive would be helpful to them. The Legal Assistance Office can assist in the preparation of advance directives.
Hours of operation Monday-Thursday (Closed on Holidays) 8 am - 4 pm. To schedule an appointment call (785) 239-2806.
Admissions, Patient Accountability Branch, BLDG 650, RM 3G3007, (785) 239-7730.