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Also known as an
"Advanced Directive," a living will tells your doctors
what kind of care you want if you are terminally ill and there
is little hope that you will recover. The living will isn't used
only to tell your doctor to withhold or take you off life
support. It can also be used to give specific instructions about
the kind of care you do want. If you want every possible
state-of- the-art medical treatment available, you can say so
with an Advanced Directive.
A "Living
Will" isn't the same as a "Will"
- also known as your "Last Will & Testament." Your
Living Will is written to tell your loved ones and your doctors
what kind of care you want while you're still living. Your
"Will" - or your "Last Will & Testament"
- is the document that tells everyone what you want to happen to
your money and the things you own after you are gone.
You
don't need a lawyer to write an advanced directive. Most
hospitals and medical centers have forms available. If they
accept Medicare hospitals are required to have these forms. You
can also find state-specific living will forms on the internet
from
Partnership
for Caring. Although many states will recognize a Living
Will created in another state, it's always best to have a
document for your own state.
Simply
writing a Living Will isn't a total guarantee that your wishes
will be honored. If you have definite thoughts about the care
you want to receive - or not receive - it's best to talk about
your wishes with your doctor and the person who will have your
Power of Attorney for Health Care. If either your doctor or the
person you want to appoint doesn't think he or she would be able
to honor your wishes, you'll then have the chance to choose a
someone who will.
Make
sure that all of your primary doctors and someone you trust have
copies of your Advanced Directive. It won't do you any good
to have written one if it's locked up in a safety deposit box
when it's needed.
Follow
these links to learn more about the other basic legal and
financial documents you should have:
Last
Will & Testament
, a Power
of Attorney for Health Care, a
Financial
Power of Attorney.
More articles on this
subject:
When Your Medical Power of Attorney Isn't Enough
Long-Term Plans Aren't Wine, and They Don't Always Age Well
Communicating With The Doctor: How To Be Sure You Can
What To Do When Someone Dies
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