CarpeVita ? The Basics of a Living Will

Living wills aren?t exactly your typical dinner conversation, but they certainly should be talked about at some point. So what should you know about them?

A living will is a legal document that expresses your wishes regarding medical treatment should you be incapable of deciding yourself. A living will is also known as an advance directive, health care directive, or physician?s directive. Your living will may only be valid in the state you currently reside in. Be sure to come up with an alternative if you?re traveling a lot. Living wills are usually combined with a health care proxy, which allows you to designate someone to make your health care choices. This differs from the will in that the will adheres to your wishes, while the proxy puts you in someone else?s hands.

So when is it decided that you?re incapable of making health care decisions for yourself? In short, when you can no longer make it known what you want. Depending on where you live, one or two doctors may have to make the decision that you are incapable of deciding. The doctors must decide that you have a condition that falls under your state?s living will law, as each state defines terminal illness in a different way. For example, some circumstances that place you under the control of your living will include mental lapse, a coma, or any situation that falls beyond the boundaries of legal consent.?A living will may also take effect if you are in a vegetative state, which means you?re not expected to regain function.

Your living will should essentially include everything you can think of in terms of how you want your life carried out. Some of these things may include, but are not limited to if you want to be revived or kept alive via life support in an otherwise fatal event that would result in loss of quality of life afterward, the addressing of caring for terminal illness or permanent disability, and exactly what conditions you feel are intolerable and what must be done.

Remember to be as specific as possible in your will, as generalities and unclear language may lead to improper actions being taken. Actual events may not fit your will, which makes it important for you to discuss your desires with family and friends. They can then help clarify your will based on these discussions.

Keep your will in a place that is known by family and friends, should it be needed in an emergency situation. Having copies given to your physician or any medical professional, as well as your attorney if you have one may be a good idea as well. Also be sure that you have discussed it with the person you designate as your health care agent and that they understand your wishes.

Source: http://www.carpevitainc.com/index.php/2012/12/the-basics-of-a-living-will/

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