What is a living will for?
A living will, also known as an advance health care directive, is a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences regarding medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It serves as a guide for healthcare providers and family members to make informed decisions on behalf of the individual when they are unable to make decisions for themselves. This document is particularly important for individuals who have strong opinions about end-of-life care, or who want to ensure their wishes are respected even if they are unable to express them.
The living will typically includes instructions on the following aspects of medical care:
1.
Life-sustaining treatments: This section specifies whether the individual wants to receive life-sustaining treatments, such as artificial respiration, feeding tubes, or dialysis, if they are deemed terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state.
2.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders: A DNR order indicates that the individual does not want to receive CPR or other measures to restart their heart or breathing if they experience cardiac or respiratory arrest.
3.
Comfort care: This section outlines the individual’s preference for comfort care, such as pain management and hospice care, rather than aggressive medical interventions.
4.
Organ donation: The living will may include instructions regarding organ donation, specifying whether the individual wishes to donate their organs upon death.
5.
Funeral and burial arrangements: Some individuals choose to include their preferences for funeral and burial arrangements in their living will.
Creating a living will is an important step in estate planning and ensures that an individual’s end-of-life wishes are honored. Here are some key points to consider when drafting a living will:
1.
Consult with an attorney: It is advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure that the living will is legally binding and properly executed.
2.
Be clear and specific: The document should be clear and specific regarding the individual’s wishes, avoiding any ambiguity that may lead to misunderstandings.
3.
Review and update regularly: As personal circumstances change, it is important to review and update the living will accordingly.
4.
Share the document with loved ones: It is crucial to share the living will with family members, healthcare providers, and other relevant parties to ensure that their wishes are known and respected.
In conclusion, a living will is a valuable tool that allows individuals to have control over their end-of-life care. By outlining their preferences in advance, individuals can provide peace of mind to their loved ones and ensure that their wishes are honored even when they are unable to communicate them.
