You probably have heard about living will. But admit it, your knowledge about the subject may not be full. Do you need it? It is a necessity? More and more people are getting their own living will. This further arouses your interest about it. You might be considering writing your own. But do not do so unless you are fully aware of what is it and why you should have your own living will. Thus, it would be helpful if you would attain all your needed information. Here are some of the most frequently asked inquiries about living will and of course the answers to every question. Your own questions may already be included.
What is living will?
A living will is a legal document where you authorize doctors to do and do not do certain medical procedures in you in case you become incapacitated or medically unconscious to make decisions or even speak. Many people are now including organ donation in their living will. This is a noble and admirable practice. Imagine how many people your organs could save when you die. That is like living your life to the fullest. Even in death, you could be sure you are contributing well to humanity.
What medical procedures are covered?
A living will is basically a valid and legal document specifying life-sustaining treatments that a person does or does not want to undergo in case he/ she becomes unable to speak up or make decisions for himself/ herself. Such could include the use of medical devices like breathing machines (ventilators), feeding tubes, dialysis, medications, and several other treatments that could be started in case that person gets into life-threatening conditions (basically there should be a need to resuscitate).
Who is qualified for a living will?
The document is not just for adults. Legally, any person who is over the age of 18 years could appropriately prepare living will and other legal advance directives. Even elders could have their own living will written. No age is late. Many people in their 70s or 80s are now opting to have their own living will.
What is POA and DNR order?
Any living will could also include a medical POA or Power of Attorney and a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate order. Some people prefer or miss out unintentionally to include these two. In many cases, inclusion of any of the two has proven to be advantageous to all concerned parties. Medical power of attorney of medical POA is a document (legal) that designates an individual (also called a healthcare proxy or agent) to carry over or make important medical decision in case the person getting the medical POA becomes unable to make that decision. The DNR order or Do Not Resuscitate order is a special request by a person not to take any cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the heart suddenly stops beating or breathing is ceased.
Is living will incurring costs?
The legal procedure could incur a little expense. In the end, if a living will contains provisions for a person not to receive specific medical procedures that are expensive, costs could be minimized so that the family or heir would not shoulder a great bill.