A Living Will is a critical document that gives individuals the power to control their medical fate, even if they become unable to communicate in the face of a life-threatening illness. This document is especially important in cases of severe injury or illness that may render an individual unable to communicate his or her wishes.

Living Wills are an important component to Advanced Planning, a process used to ensure that an individual’s wishes for their medical care (including life-sustaining treatments) are properly observed, even if they are unable to communicate those wishes at the time of medical crisis. Living Wills allow individuals to record the specifics of their medical care preferences, including such topics as the type and level of care they wish to receive, intubation and ventilator support (respiration), use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), life-sustaining medications, and artificial nutrition and hydration, among other things.

A Living Will can be extremely important to an individual’s medical care in the future and should always be considered when planning for the long-term. In addition to a Living Will, many people include provisions regarding appointing a healthcare proxy, who will make decisions when the individual is no longer able to do so.

In addition to planning for medical care, Living Wills can also be used to address the management of the individual’s assets. Before a Living Will is written and delivered, it is important to consult with an estate planner or an attorney to ensure that the document adequately reflects the individual’s desires and wishes.

Ultimately, Life Wills provide valuable peace of mind to individuals who want to ensure that their healthcare wishes are respected and addressed if and when medical crisis strikes. By following the steps to Advanced Planning, an individual can rest assured that their wishes for their medical care, as well as their financial arrangements, will be honored down the road.