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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Living Wills 101

Summary

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Since the publicity about Living Wills usually relates to people in a coma, it's easy to think of the document as useful only if you are in a coma but would want to tell your health care providers and loved ones: "Go ahead, I want you to pull the plug." or "Don't even think about touching that plug!"

While Living Wills do only relate to a terminal situation, Living Wills can be far more inclusive than "pull the plug." A Living Will tells your family and caregivers the level of care that you want if you can't communicate yourself.

A Living Will does not prevent your receiving treatment if you are not in a terminal situation. If your condition becomes terminal, a Living Will does not prevent the provision of pain relief or comfort care.

If you are considering a Living Will, also consider executing a Health Care Power of Attorney and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Directive. The Healthcare Power of Attorneygives a trusted person the authority to make decisions in all the gray areas not covered in a Living Will. He or she will also help enforce the terms of a Living Will. The DNR covers the specific situation of what to do if you stop breathing. All three documents are complementary to each other.  NOTE: A Living Will can help guide the proxy under a Healtcare Power of Attorney if a question arises about what you would want if you could speak for yourself.

After signing a Living Will, it is advisable to take the steps necessary to assure that the wishes expressed in your Living Will are carried out.

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