A living will is a legal document, which lets a patient decide whether or not to be kept on artificial life support. Often, these documents also appoint someone to take important health care decisions on behalf of the patient. A living will could be a very broad or a narrow document, prepared according to the wishes of the patient. The will is a living declaration of people’s wishes when they meet with serious accident or ailments. It is primarily directed to medical personnel about the type of care the patient wishes to have, or wishes not to have, under situations of terminal illness.
The document commonly includes the kinds of medical procedures that are usually administered to patients who are seriously ill. These may include transfusions of blood and blood products, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, diagnostic tests, dialysis, administration of drugs and surgeries.
The living will should be given careful thought, and must be discussed by the patient’s family, physician, and care providers. The living will involves both the patient’s family and loved ones, who help in its implementation. It is mandatory for the will to be dated and signed before two witnesses.
The living will declaration can also include issues of pain medication, food, and water. Many medical experts feel that relief from pain and discomfort are procedures that people wish to have. But these are not considered life-prolonging treatments. In some states, however, food and water may be considered life prolonging and the consideration to forego them may fall within the rights of the patient.
The living will may be drafted on standardized forms, with or without the assistance of an attorney. The document may be revoked in writing, or orally, by either the patient or by a designated proxy, also called a surrogate. If the patient does not specify a particular element of treatment or treatment withdrawal, then it is not included. It is very important that living wills be as specific and detailed as possible.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Free Wills
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Life is beautiful but never guaranteed. Death is inevitable and may come at any time. However, despite this suddenness, it is possible to plan for family members and loved ones before this happens. Writing a will solves almost all legal complications after death. It is...
-
Medical Malpractice
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Medical malpractice is one of the most commonly recognized forms of malpractice. It is a suit issued by the client or patient against the medical practitioner for causing injury, damage or loss by providing improper or negligent treatment. This happens when the skilled professional in...
-
Wills and Trusts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
When a person makes a will, he specifies what happens to his possessions and assets when he dies. A trust provides an entity for owning and managing assets. It is created when a trust maker transfers part of his assets to another person or corporation...
-
Senior Independent Living
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Senior independent living is basically a residential living setting for senior adults, that may or may not offer hospitality or supportive services. Here, the senior adult is allowed to lead an independent lifestyle with minimal or no extra assistance. Senior independent living also includes rental-assisted...
-
Independent Living Aids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Independent living aids are products that are used to help senior citizens or disabled people in their day-to-day activities. Some of the aids are talking products, writing guides, hearing aids, and low vision aids, among others. For those who are visually impaired, there are independent...
-
An Introduction to Medical Billing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A growing number of professional, experienced health consultants and medical claim processors are needed in the country today. Healthcare is such a large and technologically driven industry that knowledge and procedures used today are likely to be seen as far outdated only a few years...
-
Independent Living
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Independent living is a way of helping senior citizens live on their own, or helping children in foster-care work toward self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities in life. Independent living is not defined as a means of living on one’s own; it has to mainly do...
-
Treatments For Heart Attacks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Heart attacks are emergency situations that require the immediate attention of medical services. As a first step in treatment, you need to stop the palpitation of the heart and transport the patient by ambulance to the nearest hospital. This vastly increases the chances of survival....
-
Independent Living Communities
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Independent living communities are designed for those seniors who are active, healthy and able to live their lives without others’ assistance. These communities consist of homes, condominiums, apartments and mobile homes for residents to maintain an independent lifestyle. However, there are some communities that offer...
-
Wills and Probate
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
A will could be made by anyone who is legally competent and at least 18 years of age. The person should be of a sound mind. When a will is being prepared, a testator or the person preparing the will should understand value of his...