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Five Things You Should Know About a Living Will
I’m frequently asked by potential clients about Living Wills. What they are, how they work, and, most often, do I really need one? In my opinion, a Living Will is an essential part of a larger Healthcare Directive and is something everyone should at least consider. Here are five things that a Living Will does that you should know about:
- A Living Will Ensures Your Healthcare Wishes Are Followed: A Living Will allows you to express your preferences for medical treatment in advance. If you become unable to communicate due to illness or injury, your Living Will serves as a guide for healthcare providers and loved ones, ensuring that your wishes are respected.
- A Living Will Allows You to Maintain Control Over Your Healthcare: By creating a Living Will, you retain control over important healthcare decisions, even if you are unable to make them at the time. You can specify the types of medical interventions you would or would not want, ensuring that your care aligns with your values and beliefs.
- A Living Will Can Reduce Family Conflict: Without clear instructions, family members may disagree about what medical treatments you would want in a crisis. A Living Will provides clarity and can help prevent disagreements and conflicts among family members, relieving them of the burden of making difficult decisions on your behalf.
- A Living Will Can Help Avoid Unwanted Medical Interventions: If you have strong preferences about certain medical treatments, such as life support or resuscitation, a Living Will ensures that your wishes are known and respected. This can prevent unnecessary or unwanted medical interventions that may prolong suffering or decrease quality of life.
- A Living Will Provides Peace of Mind: Creating a Living Will can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Knowing that your healthcare preferences are documented and will be followed can alleviate anxiety and uncertainty, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
If you’re ready to talk about including a Living Will as a part of your end-of-life plans, then call me, John Russo, a Central Florida Wills and Trusts /Estate Planning attorney.