Living Will: Why Every Senior in Huntington Should Have One
As you enter your final years, you may come to the realization - Do you need a living will? In Huntington, IN, where aging is celebrated, these types of documents are essential.
There are many types of legal documents to consider when you think about your end-of-life care and other important decisions. A living will may be the right solution for your needs.
Read on to learn more about how a living will can impact advanced care planning and estate planning for older adults.
What is a Living Will?
To put it simply, a living will is whatever you want it to be. The most common use for a living will is for making medical decisions when the person is unable to do so on their own.
Living wills are a form of advance care planning. You may hear the terms "advance directive" and "healthcare directive" used interchangeably when discussing a living will.
Benefits of a Living Will
The benefits of having a living will are numerous. Here are just some of the many advantages of having this essential document.
Enshrine Medical Preferences
You may have had conversations with your loved ones about what you want in terms of medical preferences. However, those conversations mean nothing if they're not legally enshrined.
For instance, you may want to have a do not resuscitate (DNR) order if you're suffering from a terminal illness. Resuscitation measures often cause unnecessary pain and suffering.
If you end up on ventilation or another form of life support, make sure to specify when you want to be removed from care. For instance, many people designate withdrawal of care after a certain number of days with no improvement.
Avoid Tough Healthcare Decisions
The last thing you need is your family or friends suffering while trying to decide on your care. Even for a medical power of attorney, the process can be brutal.
With a living will, your loved ones won't have to worry about those decisions. They can follow the instructions in the document and avoid feelings of guilt or resentment related to an incorrect decision.
Most importantly, they can focus on spending time with you in your final days or hours, without the burden of having to make tough choices.
Solidify Senior Legal Planning
Nothing is quite as ironclad as a legal document, and living wills are no exception.
Make sure you consult with a notary to get the document properly notarized. For the document to hold up in court, it needs to be in legal compliance.
The legal guidelines for the document may vary depending on where you live. For instance, if you reside in Huntington, IN, make sure you comply with Indiana law.
Designate a Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney is someone who will make healthcare decisions when you're unable to.
Although a living will can outline your healthcare preferences for many different scenarios, something unexpected can arise. That's where the healthcare power of attorney comes into play.
Make sure this is someone you can trust fully. The person needs to honor your values and make decisions based on logic, not emotion.
It may be prudent to list a primary medical power of attorney, as well as a backup. You will have two people you can rely on if something major happens.
Avoid Family Conflict
A sick or dying family member is tough on everyone. Lack of a living will can only make it more difficult, and it can even cause family conflict.
A clear legal document is a surefire way to avoid arguments. For example, your children will not have to decide on an assisted living community if you already have a specific location in mind.
Less Worry About Money
According to Fierce Healthcare, seniors in the United States are having more trouble than ever affording healthcare. The rising cost of living, coupled with expensive medical treatments, creates the perfect storm.
You can avoid some of these issues by setting your estate in order. Make sure you have enough money to pay for the healthcare you need, and include that information in your living will.
How to Create a Living Will
Once you create a living will, you won't have to worry about the task any longer. Here are some key steps to take in the process.
Determine Preferences
First, you need to outline what you want. Make sure to include factors such as:
- Healthcare preference
- End-of-life care
- Assisted living care
- Financial matters
- A healthcare power of attorney
Find an Attorney
Although you do not need an attorney for a living will, it may be best to consult a legal expert. Paying a small fee now could save your family a lot of stress and money if they have to go through the courts later.
Make sure you find an attorney who specializes in living wills. Ask around for recommendations or look at online reviews for top-rated lawyers.
Your attorney will be able to give you the best advice regarding the living will. They can also review the draft to avoid loopholes.
Draft and Sign the Will
Next, you need to draft the will and sign it. Read it over thoroughly before signing. It may be a better idea to have someone else give it a pass to catch any mistakes.
Review the Document Regularly
One of the best aspects of a living will is that you can change it whenever you want. It's important to review the living will if aspects of your situation change.
You can make changes to your living will as long as you are of sound mind and not incapacitated. Don't wait for something bad to happen and rely on your family to use an outdated document.
Consider a Living Will Today
The prospect of creating a living will doesn't have to feel intimidating. With this guide, you can create your living will with confidence and peace of mind.
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Our team of experts provides unparalleled service and a fun, nurturing environment for seniors. Reach out today to learn more.