What to Include in Living Will Instructions
Creating a living will is an essential part of estate planning, as it ensures that your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care are clearly documented and legally binding. A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, outlines your preferences for medical care in the event that you are unable to communicate them yourself. To ensure that your living will is comprehensive and effective, there are several key elements you should include.
1. General Instructions
Your living will should begin with general instructions that outline your overall approach to medical care. This may include preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as artificial respiration or dialysis, as well as your stance on comfort care and palliative treatments. Be sure to specify whether you wish to receive these treatments in all circumstances or only when there is a reasonable chance of recovery.
2. Specific Medical Treatments
It is important to include specific instructions for various medical treatments you may require. This may include:
– Resuscitation: Whether you wish to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
– Artificial nutrition and hydration: Your preference for artificial feeding and hydration, such as through a feeding tube.
– Life support: Your stance on mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and other life-sustaining measures.
– Comfort care: Your desire for comfort measures, such as pain management and hospice care, when life-sustaining treatments are no longer viable.
3. Decision-Making Agents
Identify the individuals you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This may include a healthcare proxy, who can make medical decisions, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, who can make financial decisions related to your medical care. Be sure to list these individuals and their contact information in your living will.
4. Instructions for End-of-Life Care
Your living will should include specific instructions for end-of-life care, such as:
– Funeral arrangements: Your preferences for burial, cremation, or other final arrangements.
– Organ donation: Your decision regarding organ donation and any specific instructions for the distribution of your organs.
– Memorial service: Your wishes for a memorial service, including the location, date, and any specific requests for speakers or readings.
5. Other Preferences
In addition to the above, you may want to include other preferences in your living will, such as:
– Religious or spiritual beliefs: Any religious or spiritual considerations that should be taken into account when making medical decisions.
– Personal values: Any personal values or beliefs that should guide your healthcare providers in making decisions on your behalf.
6. Updating Your Living Will
It is crucial to review and update your living will periodically, especially if there are significant changes in your health, relationships, or preferences. Be sure to communicate your living will to your healthcare providers, family members, and decision-making agents to ensure that your wishes are known and respected.
By including these key elements in your living will instructions, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, knowing that your medical care and end-of-life preferences will be honored.
