Every person who wants to make known his desires for medical treatmentwhether he agrees or refuses to undergo suchcan do so by preparing a document called the living will. Also called the advance directive or health directive, this document clearly states an adults wishes concerning life-prolonging medical treatments should he becomes incapacitated to speak for himself.
It is also possible to express your wishes verbally to your doctor, but it would be better if you put them into writing to make things clearer for the doctor and your family. While advance directives are not legally binding, health care professionals take the statements into consideration when making a decision about your health and the possible treatments for you. In addition, your family or friends can use your advance directive as a proof… Continue reading
It may not be necessary, but it would surely be wise and considerate of you to write and put up your own living will. It is a legal document that facilitates exercise of your right to make decisions about what could happen and what medical procedures to be performed on you the moment you undergo a critical or life-threatening condition. In cases wherein you would not be able to speak or decide for yourself regarding medical issues, the living will would definitely be advantageous. If you are in a coma or are unconscious, the healthcare providers could do everything to help you recover. In such a way, they could also rule out certain medical procedures that you would not want yourself to undergo.
Be sure to make your own living… Continue reading
How you would like to be cared for in the event of permanent unconsciousness or end-of life situations is not the most comfortable topic to discuss. However, it is necessary. In case it does happen, how would your doctor know whether you want to be resuscitated? Or be on life support? Or be artificially fed? There is no other way of knowing than reading your living will. But making a living will is a critical process; after all, it expresses what kind of medical care you want or dont want to receive in case your are unable to communicate it.
States have differing laws and standards to follow in making a living will, so it pays to know what are instituted in your state. Yet, there are general guidelines… Continue reading
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