Is a Living Will Necessary?

An advanced health care directive or living will is a good idea for every adult and especially for seniors.  Preparing for end-of-life questions can offer comfort to both you and your family.   A living will can also include a power of attorney for health care.

The purpose of an advanced health care directive is to make your healthcare preferences clear to family members and medical providers in the event you are unable to speak for yourself.  A power of attorney for healthcare lets you appoint someone of your choosing the legal right to make decisions regarding your care.  This document is probably just as important as a living will since there many circumstances where medical care decisions are not straightforward.  Having a trusted appointee who knows your directives about end-of-life decisions and adheres to your wishes can provide real peace of mind.

The Mayo Clinic offers advice for individuals interested in creating a living will.  They recommend considering the following issues (it may also be helpful to consult with your doctor): 

·     Do you want to be resuscitated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or by a device that delivers an electric shock to stimulate the heart?

·         Do you want to be placed on a mechanical ventilator, and for how long?

·         Do you want to be tube fed, and if so, for how long? 

·        If your kidneys no longer function, do you want dialysis?  And if so, how long would you want to receive this treatment?  

·        If you are near the end of your life, do you want antibiotics or antiviral medications administered to treat infection? 

·     What type of comfort care (palliative care) do you want used to keep you comfortable and manage pain, while abiding by your other treatment wishes? 

·      You can also use your living will to specify if you want to donate your organs and tissue for transplant as well as specify if you want to donate your body for research. 

Sample forms for living wills can be found online from organizations such as the AARP and the American Medical Association.  You just need to download the form for your state and follow the instructions.  

As one of the most respected agencies for home care in Central Texas, SYNERGY HomeCare offers families affordable and compassionate services for all ages, from expectant mothers to seniors.  We work with you to create a customized CarePlan for in home care for yourself or a loved one.  Please contact us to learn more about our range of services for professional in home care.

 

Sources:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/living-wills/art-20046303