In a recent post entitled, A Case for Health Care Directives, Ms. Green introduced us to Al Barnes, an 85-year-old from Scandia, Minnesota, diagnosed with dementia, kidney failure, and mental incapacity. On Wednesday, the court battle over who has authority to make medical decisions on his behalf was back in full swing.
As reported in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune late Wednesday night by Jeremy Olson (Wife’s Surprise Shakes Barnes Case), Lana Barnes, Al Barnes’ wife, was back in Hennepin County Probate Court earlier that day. During this trip to court, Lana Barnes admitted to tampering with her husband’s Health Care Directive, including eliminating two pages. The missing pages were found to contradict Lana Barnes’ assertions that her husband wanted life-sustaining care. Additionally, a second, and newer, health care directive was found two days before the court hearing. The more recent health care directive named Al Barnes’ oldest son as his health care agent.
Lana Barnes could now possibly face lawsuits and criminal charges.
As Ms. Green pointed out earlier, it is critical to name someone you trust as your health care agent. It is equally important that the person you name be aware that they have been named. Speak to this person about your wishes and make it an annual conversation. Also, provide the person with a copy of your health care directive. In the event you update your health care directive and name a new agent, destroy older versions and make it clear to family and friends who you want to act on your behalf.
These are not easy conversations to have, but they are better dealt with while you are able to support your decisions. Although communicating such information may be upsetting to some, it could spare more conflict and angst in the long run.
Photo by: Lucid Nightmare
