Americans are living longer and healthier lives, thanks to medical innovations and new technology. In most cases technology helps families to stay together longer. But in some cases, medical machines are being used to keep an individual alive long after the mind and body have ceased to function naturally.

There are several benefits to having a Living Will, including :

• A living will prevents possible financial devastation.

• A living will relieves family members of the burden of making and agonizing over life or death decision regarding prolonged medical treatment.

• It also works so that your physician is not put in the position of having to make important life and death decisions for you.

• For example, if there are differences in opinion amongst your family members regarding your care, your physician will be forced to make all decisions if no living will is present.

It is ultimately your own decision

While it is your constitutional right to make your own health care decisions-including end-of-life decisions-that right may be forfeited unless you make provisions beforehand. A living will is one sure way to protect your rights.

As long as your document is drafted correctly, the law will honor it. Your living will must be signed, dated and witnessed by someone other than a relative, potential heir, health care provider, or the person designated as your decision maker.

Certainly it is important to discuss your living will with your family members. It is also important to share your views on prolonged medical treatment. But keep in mind that, ultimately, it’s your decision.

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