A Living Will is technically called an “Advanced Directive” because it directs others on how to handle your medical care when you are no longer able to communicate your preferences. Sometimes these documents are also called Health Care Powers of Attorney.
The end of life is a delicate topic and thus more deserving than check off boxes on a general form. Unfortunately, many forms that you will find online are worded so generally that they can have little or no effect on decisions made about your well-being. This is your life and it is important that you take control of it by making sure your wishes are met. Decisions about your life belong to you and those important to you. The best way to make sure that the right people make decisions for you is to have a Living Will.
When Do Living Wills Take Effect?
Living Wills are used only under very specific circumstances. They are sued when you become incapacitated and are unable to communicate your treatment preferences. When you cannot communicate with your medical team, you could receive treatment you do not want, or not receive treatment you would have wanted. This impacts both your quality of life, your right to decide what kind of life-sustaining treatment you want, and even whether you will receive treatment that doctors might not otherwise provide.
Advance Directives Speak For You When You Cannot Speak For Yourself
Your life affects the lives of those important to you. This is why it is important to speak with your loved ones about your health care desires prior to an emergency occurring. It is also why it is important that you have a Living Will, in case you are unable to communicate with your loved ones or your doctors. The Advance Directive speaks for you when you cannot speak for yourself.
You Should Also Have a Power of Attorney
Living Wills often work in concert with a Financial Power of Attorney. Financial Powers of Attorney allow someone you trust to pay your bills and make financial decisions for you when you are unable to make them yourself. Having documents that clearly define your preferences while naming a specific person who can be your voice ensures you will be heard and protected when you cannot protect yourself.
Contact Kim for Assistance
Making your voice heard when you cannot speak is the benefit of testamentary documents such as Living Wills and Powers of Attorney. If you need a Living Will or other documents that help your loved ones take care of you if you become incapacitated, reach out to Kim Lengert. Kim is here to help you determine what documents you need to protect both yourself and your loved ones.