Living Will
Currently, there are many ways that an individual can create a living will for themselves. Those who choose to create these types of documents are typically terminally ill. They will be eventually unable to make certain decisions regarding healthcare, funeral, or other arrangements that are important to decide upon at certain times. Living wills are documents that allow the patient to decide beforehand whether or not they wish to be taken off of life support while fighting their terminal illness. A living will also acts as a document that gives the right to another individual to make health care decisions for the terminally ill when they are no longer physically able to. These documents are efficient in helping those who are battling a deadly disease recieve the care and pre-death decisions clarified before it is too late.
There are many benefits of a living will and the documents can usually be drawn up very quickly. The only drawback for a living will is that no on can predict the future. That is why it is important to discuss living wills for terminal illnesses not too long after diagnosis. Also, it is important not to confuse living wills with "power of attorney." It is important to pick a person to be a representative to decide on medical treatment if you or a loved one is unable to do so. This should be clearly outlined within the living will so there is no stipulation of the medical attention the patient may want, if any. Within the living will, it is not required to pick a medical team or specific doctor. It suggested to the patient because the medical professional or team is able to make decisions at crucial times when fighting the terminal illness.
There are many important things to discuss before the document is written. One vital part is what form of treatment to follow, if any, during the time of battling the disease. There are also different types of care that range from extraordinary to ordinary measures to sustain life. The difference between the two is simply that ordinary care is administered by a feeding tube and no other fancy medications or treatments. Also, it is important to remember that if a patient is put on a "life sustainer" withdrawal from the mechanism may not mean immediate death. The doctor and the patient must have a complete understanding of the different measures taken so that the best precautions are taken at the time of an emergency. By having loved ones or a power of attorney present, it is a good way to have other witnesses listen to the options and what process the patient chooses to go forth with.
Depending on the state the patient lives in, there are regulations regarding the legality issues with the living will. The patient or the patients family must do research on the technicalities that each state holds and find out the best method for using the document. The doctor that is treating the patient may be of help in guiding the patient and their family to administrative and legal help regarding the living will and power of attorney status.
