|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
What Is A Living Will ? | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| A living will is a legal document declaring your wish to die a natural death. It informs your doctors that, if incurably ill, you do not wish to have your life prolonged by artificial or extraordinary means. Therefore, a living will is a form of communication with your doctor which states clearly in advance how you want to be treated when you become terminally and irreversibly ill. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Medical advances in recent years allow life to be prolonged indefinitely. Respirators, feeding tubes, and other devices can sustain life for months and years in a patient who otherwise would die a natural death. | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
The
"Death with Dignity" law prescribes a form you can use to express your
desire to die a natural death. When your physician has this form, he or
she knows it is your desire to withhold or stop procedures that
artificially prolong life. The Living Will only becomes operative if two
physicians, including your attending physician, have determined that death
will occur within a relatively short period of time, and you are
unconscious or otherwise unable to express your wishes for further
treatment. Making a Living Will does not mean you will be abandoned. A living will never prevents care that keeps a patient comfortable. Doctors and nurses will continue attending to your needs. Humane treatment will continue. Only useless measures are prohibited. A Living Will can be prepared by using ready made Forms on which you can simply fill in the blanks and have them signed in the presence of two witnesses, one of whom must be a Notary Public. A lawyer is not necessary, unless you wish to consult one. It is recommended that you discuss your decision with close family members or friends and with your doctor. A copy of your living will should be given to your physician. One or more members of your family (or close friends) should know that you have a Living Will and either have a copy or know where to find a copy. Unlike regular wills, there is no official governmental recording of a living will. Remember, with living wills you always have the right to change your mind. You can revoke your Living Will easily by tearing it up or just informing your doctor by word of mouth or in writing. You have the option of designating a person, on the Declaration, who may revoke the Will on your behalf. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Home | Living Will Kit | Contact Us | Bookmark This Website | Tell-A-Friend |
|||||||||||||||||||||
