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Guidelines In Making A Living
Will
How you would like to be cared for in the event of permanent
unconsciousness or end-of life situations is not the most comfortable
topic to discuss. However, it is necessary. In case it does happen, how
would your doctor know whether you want to be resuscitated? Or be on
life support? Or be artificially fed? There is no other way of knowing
than reading your living will. But making a living will is a critical
process; after all, it expresses what kind of medical care you want or
don’t want to receive in case your are unable to communicate it.
States have differing laws and standards to follow in making a living
will, so it pays to know what are instituted in your state. Yet, there
are general guidelines that can help you. They are the following:
Think about your medical wishes
In specific terms, outline what types of treatment and procedure you
would like to undergo, under what circumstances, and for how long. For
example, you can detail that you want to be on mechanical ventilation
if there are chances of survival. But if beyond recovery, you refuse to
be on any type of support that artificially prolongs your life. Be
specific as you can. Your living will is perhaps one document you wish
to never use, but even then, you need to make your living will as clear
as possible; otherwise, your loved ones will be left guessing, and
misinterpretations will not be impossible.
Talk to your doctor
Explain your medical wishes to your doctor and make sure he understands
them. This will avoid the possibility of misinterpretations and
conflicts that may arise when you use your living will. Also, this will
allow your doctor to give input and explain the implications of your
medical wishes.
Involve your family
Your family needs to be informed of your preferences, so they will know
exactly what to do in case you become incapacitated. Many family
tensions result from making medical decisions, and you don’t want that
to happen among your family members. As early as now, let them
understand how you want to be taken care of. It’s possible that your
medical wishes would face opposition, but listen to your family’s
opinions and consider their inclusion in your living will.
Have a living will form
You can get if from your state’s health department, hospital, aging
agency, or certain websites. Complete the form. Add other details in
case the form doesn’t cover certain medical wishes you have. You can
also work with a lawyer to guide you through the process and discuss
with you the legal implications of your living will. In some states,
however, the assistance of a lawyer is sometimes unnecessary. Based on
your state law, have it notarized or witnessed. Then, distribute copies
to your family and close friends, doctor, and lawyer.
Keep your living will properly
After making a living will, make sure to properly keep it in your files
or somewhere it would be quickly found if needed. Some people like to
keep it in a safe-deposit box, which is not advisable, as doing so
would make it hard to retrieve.
Articles
Advance
Medical Directives: The Living Will
More Than Just a
Living Will
The
Benefits of Using a Living Will Software
A Living Will?
What is a Living Will?
Organ
Donation on Your Living Will
How to
Create Your Own Living Will
Living Will: An
Overview
What
is the Difference Between a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney?
Specific
Medical Treatments Involved in Living Will
Living
Will Forms: How To Deal With Them
Differences
of a Living Will and Trust
The
Benefits Of A Living Will: A Rundown
Living
Will: Planning for End-of-Life Issues
Tips for Living
Will Creation
What
People Should Know About Living Will
Selecting
your Health Care Proxies in Living Wills
The
Fundamentals Of A Living Will
What is
the Purpose of a Living Will?
When is a
Living Will Effective?
Frequently
Asked Questions about Living Will
Steps to
Creating a Living Will
Difference
between a Living Will, a Will, and a Living Trust
Contents Of A
Living Will
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