Whether you're preparing for a new baby, a medical procedure, or surgery, it's important to have a Living Will to ensure that your wishes are respected in case if lose mental incapacity. This estate plan outlines your medical treatment preferences and can make easier decision-making for your family and loved ones. It also helps doctors avoid putting you through procedures you don't want.
An advance directive gives authority to another person (known as an agent) to make medical-related decisions for you when you can't do so yourself. The directive includes your wishes for medical treatment, organ donation, and other things you would like to happen in the event of mental incapacity.
Advance directives can specify the kind of care you want, whether you want to be kept comfortable, and how you would like to die. They also must meet countries' requirements. It's important to get legal advice before you write your estate plan. The minimum requirement is to get it notarized and witnessed. There are specific requirements regarding choosing the right witness. It's also important to check that it is enforceable in other countries if you migrate.
The medical directive should be updated regularly as your medical needs change. You should also talk to your primary care physician about your options. If you have a special medical condition, you might consider the option of having your organs donated if you die. Also, think about your pain management options. You can make a living will specify the medical treatment you wish if you have a painful condition.
A living will help any individual who has a chronic illness. Having a plan is crucial when you can't speak for yourself to reduce your burden, and your family will appreciate your wishes. A living will also be useful for people injured in an accident who cannot speak for themselves. The document should include instructions about medical care, including whether to use an artificial respirator. It can also specify where you want to be treated and when you want to receive a certain type of medical treatment. The decision you make is crucial and would impact inheritance after death based on medical treatment expenses that may incur.
You should also make sure to discuss your options with your family members. You might want to ask your family members to make your decisions for you, or you may want to discuss them with close friends. The documents should be kept in a safe place, and copies should be given to your doctor and alternate health care agents. If traveling frequently, it's also important to ensure that your Living Will is valid in other countries or jurisdictions. You can learn more about Living Will by visiting Wassiyyah, the estate planning service.
While making a living will not seem fun, it's crucial to ensure difficult decisions do not burden your family and loved ones. It also helps for preventing confusing conversations with doctors. Living wills are often used with powers of attorney for healthcare, the estate plan that allows you to designate an agent to make decisions on your behalf when you cannot make them yourself.