SDSU urges farm owners to plan for future healthcare

By Scout Nelson

National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 15, 2024, is a crucial moment for farm owners, and SDSU Extension is at the forefront of encouraging proactive health planning.

Leacey Brown, a Gerontology Field Specialist at South Dakota State University, emphasizes the need for adults of all ages to engage in discussions about advance care planning.

These plans are crucial not only for personal health but also for the economic stability of family farms.

Understanding the complexities of long-term care decisions can be daunting. To assist, Brown and Theresa Garren-Grubbs from the SDSU College of Nursing have developed free resources available on the SDSU Extension Family Caregiving page. These resources aim to educate families on choosing appropriate care services and planning financially for these needs.

In South Dakota, where there are over 28,000 farm operations, estate planning often overshadows caregiving considerations. Neglecting the latter can have dire consequences, including the potential sale of farm assets to cover unexpected caregiving costs.

Brown stresses the importance of discussing health decisions before estate planning to prepare for any family member’s potential illness or incapacity.

Despite the low percentage of adults with completed advance directive forms, as reported by Theresa Garren-Grubbs, these documents are essential. They ensure that someone can make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.

Starting these conversations early and documenting decisions is key to preparedness, particularly in cases of severe health emergencies like dementia or traumatic injuries. After completing the necessary legal documents, it’s vital to review and update them annually.

This ongoing attention ensures that all preparations remain relevant and reflective of current wishes and circumstances. Brown and Garren-Grubbs recommend keeping these documents accessible and informing key individuals about their existence and content.

Through these steps, SDSU Extension aims to equip South Dakota’s farm owners with the tools needed to secure both their healthcare and their legacy.

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