A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a valuable legal document that communicates an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become terminally ill or incapacitated. It is composed using living will forms that provide a structured way to express one's preferences about end-of-life care. The forms are designed to ensure the respect for personal decisions and the dignity of the person, in line with their values, beliefs, and preferences, at the most vulnerable stages of their life.
Living will forms typically contain provisions about the kind of treatment a person would want, or not want, in situations where they can no longer make decisions. This might include matters related to life-sustaining treatment, pain management, resuscitation orders, and organ donation. The overarching purpose is to pre-decide and control these critical aspects, helping to relieve anxiety for both the individual and their family members.
To create a living will, you need to fill out the living will forms available in your jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions offer standard forms that can be printed and filled out. Alternatively, a legal professional or a healthcare provider can help prepare a living will to ensure it meets the legal requirements and adequately reflects the person's wishes. One key aspect to keep in mind is that the specifics of what can and can't be included in a living will differ from one jurisdiction to another. Therefore, it’s essential to know and understand the legal provisions in your area.
Once the living will form is filled out, it usually needs to be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Some jurisdictions also require the form to be notarized. Once signed and notarized, the living will is legally valid, although it’s advisable to review it regularly or if any major life changes occur.
The existence of a living will provides peace of mind and confidence that an individual's preferences for their end-of-life care will be respected. However, discussing and documenting these decisions is often not an easy task. It involves confronting mortality and making difficult decisions. Nevertheless, it's an essential step in comprehensive life planning, ensuring that your personal autonomy extends to all stages of your life.
In conclusion, living will forms are an important tool for expressing your medical treatment preferences if you find yourself unable to communicate them in the future. They allow individuals to maintain control over the course of their treatment, promote personal autonomy, protect against unnecessary medical intervention, and provide much-needed clarity for physicians and family members tasked with decision-making in critical moments.