A living will is a kind of legal, written document where you can record your medical decisions detailing the type and level of treatments you would and would not want to be used for keeping you alive. You can express your desire and state how you want to spend the rest of the days of your life. If you wish your health care wishes to be followed, an elder care attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ, will help you make a living will.
The concept of living will
One can make a living will by stating the specific types of treatment and medical care the person wishes to receive if they are no longer capable of making any medical-related decisions due to illness or injury. In case the person suffers from a life-threatening injury, the hospital or doctor can consult the living will and decide whether the person needs life-sustaining treatment or not. In the absence of a living will, the responsibility of the medical decision is to be taken by the spouse or other family members.
Take your time and think about what you really want.
Before making any decision on living will, you should know what you want at the end of your life. Ask the following questions before making a living will.
- Do I really need a ventilator?
- How will my decisions affect my family?
- Do I need a feeding tube if I cannot feed myself?
- Do I need to donate my organs?
If your health worsens to a point where you cannot talk, set up your wishes in advance even if you do not have strong preferences.
How to make a living will?
If you want to make a legal living will document, you have to sign, print, and witness it. Many states provide these forms for free. You can also take help from an elder care attorney.
It might feel uncomfortable thinking about the outline of your end-life wishes, but is it also one of the best thoughtful decisions you can accomplish for your loved ones. It provides peace and certainty while knowing your wishes earlier when you cannot communicate with them.
What should you contain in your living will?
You can include the following decisions in your living will.
- A formal decision is that you do not need life-sustaining procedures to continue when there is no probability of survival.
- You can decide to die at home or avoid medical tests and procedures.
- You can state the type of medical treatments and care you want at that time. For example., mechanical ventilation to assist you in breathing, dialysis, CPR of artificial hydration, and nutrition.