Why It Is Important To Have A Living Will

When it comes to make the decisions that will affect the end of your life and beyond, it can become an exceedingly difficult task. Obviously, no one enjoys the process of sitting down and thinking about scenarios that end with their death or becoming terminally ill. Avoiding these sorts of unpleasant thoughts is the main reason why people do not draft a living will when they are supposed to.

But, without a living will, an attorney has no way of carrying out whatever wishes you may have when it comes to your health care once you're unable to make these decisions for yourself.

Coming to a decision about how your health care will be handled in a situation where you cannot make the decision for yourself is hugely important. Considering that the decision of how much medical treatment you would like to receive in a life or death scenario invokes many different personal feelings, especially those of a spiritual or religious nature, it is crucial for you to have a living will that reflects your beliefs.

You will want to choose someone you can trust to carry out your final wishes. Without a living will, no one in your life will have the authorization necessary to speak with a physician and let them know your preference. Some may worry that they will be terminated before they are ready to die, but be forewarned: a physician will not discuss your last wishes with your appointed agent until all avenues to keep you alive have been exhausted and it is determined there is no more they can do.

Your living will gives you the ability to choose a trusted person in your life, someone who will not let their personal feelings interfere with your wishes. Without one, there is no one who can carry them out for you. It is best to choose a family member, although this can be problematic as it is difficult for a family member to terminate life support.

Choosing a close friend is also a viable option, but it is crucial to consider location when choosing your proxy. Someone who lives very far away may not have the ability to come to your bedside, so be sure to select someone who lives close by.

Any and all of the important decisions having to do with your personal health care plan for later in life should be made by you and no one else. By drafting a living will, you ensure that these decisions can be made by you well in advance. Your family and close friends will no doubt as to what your last wishes are because you've clearly outlined them.

Don't leave such emotional decisions up to your loved ones. The burden of having to decide what you would have wanted should not be left up to them. By obtaining a living will, you ensure that these decisions will be made by you and that your loved ones can rest easy knowing they've carried out your wishes.