What goes in a living will is a critical document that outlines a person’s healthcare preferences and instructions in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. This legal document is designed to ensure that an individual’s end-of-life decisions are respected and followed, providing peace of mind for both the person creating the will and their loved ones.
A living will typically includes several key components that help healthcare providers and family members understand the individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment. Here are some of the essential elements that should be included in a living will:
1. Advance Directives: These are instructions regarding the type of medical treatment the individual wishes to receive or refuse. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as artificial respiration, dialysis, and feeding tubes.
2. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Orders: A DNR order is a specific request not to perform CPR or other life-saving measures if the individual’s heart or breathing stops.
3. Comfort Care: This section outlines the individual’s preference for comfort care, such as pain management and hospice care, in the event that they are terminally ill or in a vegetative state.
4. Organ Donation: Many living wills include a statement about the individual’s wishes regarding organ donation. This can help ensure that their decision is honored after their death.
5. Funeral and Burial Preferences: Some individuals choose to include their preferences for funeral arrangements and burial or cremation in their living will.
6. Designation of Healthcare Proxy: A healthcare proxy is a person appointed by the individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. It is crucial to include the name and contact information of the proxy in the living will.
7. Specific Instructions: It is also beneficial to include any specific instructions or requests that are important to the individual, such as their desire to be buried in a certain location or to have a particular type of service.
Creating a living will is an important step in estate planning and ensures that an individual’s end-of-life wishes are clearly documented and legally binding. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure that the living will is properly drafted and complies with state laws. Additionally, it is essential to review and update the living will periodically, especially if there are significant changes in the individual’s health or preferences. By taking the time to create a living will, individuals can provide clarity and peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones during a difficult time.
