Living Wills
By: Joanne | September 30, 2008 | Category: Home and Family
My mom likes to have her affairs in order and recently she updated her advance directive (they’re also called living wills). She showed it to me so I know what her wishes are in case she’s ever in a medical situation where my brother and I have to make decisions for her. It’s hard to imagine someone you love in a condition where they can’t make their own decisions, but even harder to imagine it happening to you. But let’s face it – this stuff happens. That’s why I’m learning about what I need to do to create my own advance directive.
An advance directive, or living will, is different than a will. It’s intended to make your wishes known about what type of life-sustaining medical treatment you want (or don’t want) in case you’re in a situation where medical intervention is needed to sustain your life. This document sets out who is authorized to make decisions for you and helps medical providers understand the kind of treatment you want and can also make clear your wishes to donate your organs and tissues when you die.
I’m still sorting all this out and I suppose I’ll have to consult a lawyer to be sure that my document will be adequate to covers all of my needs and make it a little easier on my loved ones in case I’m in trouble. Have you had experience creating or carrying out an advanced directive? Any advice?
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