Understanding Living Wills: A Guide to Protecting Your Healthcare Wishes

Creating a living will can give you and your family peace of mind. This document specifies the type of medical treatment you wish to receive if you're unable to make decisions for yourself.

In some places, a living will might be part of another document called a health care power of attorney, which lets you choose someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
 

What is a Living Will?

A living will shouldn't be confused with the wills that handle your property after death, nor is it a living trust. A living will, also known as a health care declaration, is strictly about your healthcare preferences.

It often works alongside a power of attorney for health care, where you appoint an agent to make health care decisions if you can't. Some states combine these into one form called an "advance directive."
 

What to Include in Your Living Will

In your living will, you can be specific about the medical care you want or don't want. This includes decisions like accepting or refusing life support, using a ventilator, or even preferences about dying at home.

Making these decisions can be tough, but being clear in your living will helps ensure your wishes are followed and relieves your loved ones from making these difficult choices.
 

Steps to Making a Living Will

1. Check Local Resources: You don’t necessarily need a lawyer to create a living will. Look for resources in your community, like senior centers, hospitals, or your state’s medical association, which may offer free living will forms suited to your state's laws.
2. Complete the Form: Fill out the living will form according to what suits you best. You can also include a health care power of attorney in this document.
3. Legalize It: After filling out the form, you must sign it and get it witnessed or notarized, as required by your state’s laws.
4. Discuss Your Decisions: Though it can be difficult, discussing your wishes outlined in the living will with family members, your chosen health care agent, and your doctors is crucial. They need to know your preferences to honor them.
 

Additional Notes

Besides a living will, you might consider other directives like a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order or a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which are more specific instructions for emergency situations.

Remember, the right terminology and the specific requirements might vary by state. It’s worthwhile to double-check what applies specifically in your area.
 

Conclusion

Creating a living will is a proactive step towards ensuring your medical desires are respected and helps ease the burden on your loved ones during challenging times. Make sure to keep it accessible and known to those who need to be aware of it.

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