A medical emergency can strike at any time. If something happened to you and you couldn’t make decisions for yourself, would your loved ones know your wishes? Would they know if you want life support or what should happen to your organs if you pass away? This is where a living will comes into play. Let’s break down what a living will is, why it matters, and how to get one in place.
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is an advance directive—a legal document that speaks for you if you can’t communicate your medical wishes. It’s different from your last will and testament, which covers how your assets should be distributed. A living will outlines what you want (or don’t want) in critical medical situations, like if you’re in a coma or unable to communicate.
This document ensures that your loved ones and doctors know exactly what steps to take on your behalf if you’re seriously ill and can’t speak for yourself. It’s your chance to express decisions about life-saving treatments, organ donation, and more.
What Should You Include in a Living Will?
It’s key to work with your doctor to create a living will, as they can help guide you through specific medical needs. Here are some considerations you might include:
- Should CPR or other life-saving measures be performed?
- Do you want to receive blood transfusions or other life-sustaining treatments?
- Would you want to be placed on a ventilator?
- Do you want to be fed via IV or a feeding tube?
- Would you want to be placed in a nursing facility?
While it’s a tough topic, it’s crucial to think about what you’d want in these situations—so your loved ones aren’t left with the burden of guessing. If you’re not married or have no next of kin, a doctor could end up making these decisions, which may not align with your wishes.
How Do You Create a Living Will?
Creating a living will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s worth taking the time to reflect on your end-of-life wishes and consulting with your doctor for clarity.
One option is using services like Trust & Will, which offer easy-to-use forms for you to complete, sign, and have notarized. Having your documents in place means your loved ones don’t have to navigate difficult decisions on your behalf.
A living will is an important part of your financial and healthcare planning, and it offers peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected in a medical emergency. It’s never too early to make these decisions, and setting it up now helps ensure your peace of mind—and the peace of mind of those you care about.