Do you—or someone you know—need to create a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) that designates who will handle your affairs if you should lose your capacity? Are you named as DPOA for a relative or a friend and have questions about your responsibilities and how to successfully carry them out?
This spring, people in the Kansas heartland can get trustworthy, easy-to-understand information about DPOAs and Living Wills thanks to a regional initiative launched by the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) and Kansas Legal Services.
“Our goal with this Answers for Older Kansans series is to give older Kansans, people living with disabilities, their caregivers and family members quality, practical information about DPOAs and Living Wills—important health care decisions documents,” Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the NC-FH AAA, the region’s Aging and Disabilities Resource Center said.
Corinne Petrik, Managing Attorney with Kansas Legal Services will provide a series of “DPOA Basics” presentations. These events will focus on legal matters important to all Kansans—but especially so for older Kansans, people living with disabilities, and their caregivers.
The first set of events in this series will happen Thursday, April 13. That day, Petrik will present “Legal Bingo and DPOA Basics” at two locations—Mankato and Concordia:
- Thursday, April 13: 10:30 am at Jewell County Friendship Meals, 214 N. High, Mankato
- Thursday, April 13: 12:30 pm @ Concordia Senior Center, 109 W. 7th Street, Concordia
A second set of events is slated for April 20 in Herington and Council Grove:
- Thursday, April 20: 10:30 am at the Hill Top Community Center, 2 South A Street, Herington
- Thursday, April 20: 12:45 pm at the Council Grove Senior Center, 227 W. Main Street, Council Grove
Registration is encouraged. There is no cost for participating; voluntary contributions are appreciated and accepted. To register or for more information about these events including specific locations and dates please visit www.ncfhaaa.com/seminars or call 1-800-432-2703.
Many Kansans put off these decisions and delay completing these important documents. This often places unnecessary burdens on their families and loved ones.
“What if an accident, illness or dementia leaves you unable to tell your doctors what kind of medical treatment you want--or makes it impossible to manage your financial affairs?” Petrik asked.
“No one likes to think about grim times—however, it’s smart to make plans for bad situations—and the truth is almost everyone faces this kind of bad situation sometime in their lives.
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“We strongly encourage older Kansans and people living with disabilities to invite and bring the person they’ve named in their DPOA document, to these events,” Petrik said.
Topics highlighted will include “Why having an up-to-date DPOA is important,” “What to consider in naming a person to be your DPOA,” “What to expect from someone who is your DPOA,” “Who should have a copy of your DPOA and Living Will documents” and other related questions.
DPOA and Living Will documents created by Kansas Legal Services specifically for this initiative will be available to each participant who registers.
Additional sessions geared for people holding DPOA responsibilities are also a part of the initiative. “DPOA: What Caregivers Need to Know” sessions are planned. These sessions will focus on the responsibilities of the person named as DPOA and provide practical tips and examples of best practices useful to DPOAs to successfully carry out their responsibilities.
For more information about DPOA Basics or DPOA: What Caregivers Need to Know events or to reserve your place, call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) at (800) 432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com/seminars.
The North Central-Flint Hills Agency on Aging, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their families. Area Agency on Aging programs and services are partially funded by the Older Americans Act through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and voluntary participant contributions. The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with local and county governments and senior citizens’ groups. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.