A living will is a health care declaration that comes into play if you are unable to communicate. The results of a survey conducted by Associated Press-Life Goes Strong.com of 1,416 adults, in which 1,078 were baby boomers, those folks born between 1946 and 1964, were published last week. The big news was that sixty-four percent of baby boomers polled do not have a living will.
In general, boomers say that they are healthy, keep active and don't think of themselves as senior citizens. Although the focus of the survey was boomers, the truth of the matter is, as morbid as it may seem, life holds no guarantees. So, if you are without a living will, the time to draw one up is now, regardless of your age.
Generally, when drawing up a living will, a lawyer isn't needed. Also, a living will is separate from a last will and testament. However, just like a last will and testament, careful consideration is required, and you need to review your living will from time to time.
What's Important to You?
Is independence important to you? If you had to depend on others, to feed, bathe and dress you, would your life still have value? Would you want to spend your last years in an end-of-life long term care facility? Would you feel like a burden to your family if you couldn't take care of yourself?
On the other hand, are your values such that you would want to extend your life as long as possible? Do you want the medical profession to intervene and use all resources at their disposal? After all, miracles have happened.
What Medical Inventions Might You Choose?
There are many kinds of medical interventions; some may be acceptable to you, and others may not.
- Resuscitation - restarts the heart
- Medical ventilation - machines breath for you
- Nutritional and hydration assistance - you would be fed and given liquids through a tube in your stomach
- Dialysis - removes waste from the blood and manages liquid levels when kidneys don't function
Furthermore, your decision regarding various interventions may depend on the circumstances. If you are terminally ill, you may only want palliative care to ease pain and discomfort. If you have a good chance of recovery, you may want doctors to do whatever they can, to save your life. If you have a good chance of recovery, but will lose your independence, you may make another decision.
Medical Health Care Power of Attorney
If you are unable to access the circumstances, at the time a life and death decision needs to be made, you need someone with a medical or health care power of attorney to act on your behalf. This is particularly important if your family isn't in agreement with your end of life decisions.
Your medical and health care power of attorney can be, but doesn't have to be, the same person who would have power of attorney regarding your estate and finances. The person you select should be mature, calm, level headed, and comfortable with candid conversations.
Know the Living Will Requirements of Your State, Province or Country
Great Britain has a document called an advanced decision to refuse treatment in which you clearly spell out what treatments are acceptable to you, and which are not. The document needs to be signed, dated and witnessed. Doctors are legally obligated to carry out the wishes of the patient.
In Canada, living will is not a legal term, but is used to describe end of life directives. End of life directives are sanctioned by each province or territory. And, as long as you follow the procedures outlined in your province, you can draw up your own documents.
In the United States, health care power of attorney forms are available in each state, and each has its own proxy forms.
What to do with Your Living Will Once It's Drawn Up?
Regardless of your country, once your documents are complete you should distribute copies to family and friends. It's also essential to sit down with your primary care physician, and tell them exactly what your wishes are. Additionally, carry a small card in your wallet or purse, which summarizes your living will, in case you are in an emergency ward, and an immediate life and death decision, needs to be made.
Thinking about death, when you consider yourself to be young and healthy with many years stretching before you, is uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it's a must done.
Sources
CBS News: Many Boomers Avoid Living Wills, Say They’re Young
Mayo Clinic: Living Wills and Advanced Directives for Medical Decisions
UK Government Citizens and Rights: Your Right to Refuse Future Medical Treatment
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