Living Wills 101

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.

For information, see:

• What Is A Living Will?  
• Why Do I Need A Living Will If I Have A Healthcare Proxy?
• What Should Be In A Living Will?  
  • Specific Procedures To Consider  
• When Does A Living Will Become Effective?
• Where Do I Find A Living Will Form For Use In The State In Which I Live? 
  • If You Live In More Than One State  
  • What If I Move Or Receive Treatment In Another State?
    
• What Do I Do With A Living Will After I Make One?  
• How Often Should I Revisit My Living Will?   
• What If My Proxy's Decision Conflicts With My Living Will?  
  
• How Do I Assure The Provisions Of My Living Will Are Carried Out? 
  

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