How Are Living Wills Beneficial?

Living wills are not happy topics, but need to be discussed and created.

Are you putting off getting a living will?

Stop it.

Living wills are essential when it comes to your health care decisions, according to a recent EMS1.com article titled “Why EMS providers need living wills.”

So what exactly is a living will?

A living will is also known as an advanced health care directive.

What does it do?

It gives instructions for your end-of-life care in as much or in as little detail as you wish.

For example, you might want to include your directives for resuscitation, life support, organ donation and pain relief treatments.

Because it deals with end-of-life issues, it is powerless after you pass away.

You can also get a health care power of attorney to give a trusted individual the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

Why is it important to have a living will?

It gives you decision-making power.

Chances are if you are in the hospital in serious or critical condition, you will be in no state to communicate your wishes.

Outlining your instructions in advance will help ensure that you get the care you want.

Protect your loved ones.

Without a living will, your spouse will be give the authority to make decisions.

Not married?

Your family is next in line.

Do not put them in the situation of making this choice at an emotional time with no guidance from you.

Also, if you have a partner and are not married, he or she has no legal right to make end-of-life choices on your behalf.

Choose someone to make a decision.

With a health care power of attorney, you can give another layer of security in your decisions.

How?

You can name a trusted adult child or other individual to be sure your wishes are enforced.

Secure peace of mind.

No one wants to worry about the decisions to be made in a time of health crisis.

With a living will, you do can rest assured your wishes will be followed.

Select organ donation.

With a living will, you can give instructions about your wishes to be an organ donor.

Perhaps you will save a life.

When you make a living will, share your wishes with your family.

By doing this, they will not be surprised if the time comes to follow them.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: EMS1.com (May 6, 2017) “Why EMS providers need living wills”