Locals draft health care preferences during clinic

Charles and Vera Backman took care of both their elderly parents and understood how important it is to have a health care plan.

Both of their parents had durable power of attorneys and advanced directives, which designates who will make health care decisions and what should be carried out. The legal documents are necessary in a situation where a person is incapacitated and cannot speak for themselves.

Vera said, luckily, the documents were never needed, but it eased their minds knowing they wouldn’t have to make the tough call and decide to put their parents on life support or let them go.

The married couple of 61 years first drafted a durable power of attorney and advanced directive in 2006 and decided it should to be updated. They were among several filtering into Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living on Saturday for the free clinic providing legal counsel during National Healthcare Decisions Day.

For the ninth year, attorneys across Missouri provided their services free of charge and helped Missourians draft health care directives.

Nine out of 10 Americans have heard of a living will, and three out of four have thought about their end-of-life preferences, according to studies cited by the National Healthcare Decisions Day organization. However, only 29 percent have drafted a living will.

The Missouri Bar provides paperwork for durable power of attorneys and advanced directives online for no charge, but the event was an opportunity for an attorney to walk through the process with individuals and discuss their end-of-life preferences.

Heather McCreery, attorney for Turnball & Stark, PC in Jefferson City, was among those volunteering their time. She said most people may not already have these plans because it’s difficult to think about themselves in an unconscious state. Having plans in place, though, is important for several reasons, she said.

“For one, it ensures a person’s wishes are known and implemented,” McCreery said. “It also helps families because it doesn’t leave the decision up to them. If there’s a guideline as to what mom or dad would have wanted, then kids don’t have to wrestle with that decision.”

Many of the Heisinger residents already have advanced directives, and it’s a free service offered to all residents, said Angie Campbell, social services director for Heisinger.

“We see the importance of offering this service,” she said. “In a stressful time, the family doesn’t have to think about what does mom want?”

McCreery said it’s never too early to start thinking about end-of-life decisions. She recommends people in their mid-20s or those thinking about having a family should fill out the legal document.

“You could get in a car accident and go into a coma,” she said. “It’s not just for you, it’s also for your family.”

Forms for a durable power of attorney for health care are available by calling 573-635-4128 or online at missourilawyershelp.org/legal-topics/durable-power-of-attorney-for-health/