YOUR LIVING WILL MUST BE IN YOUR DOCTORS HANDS

If you don’t want to be hooked up to machines, have your life artificially extended, or be subject to medical heroics, you need a living Will. Your wishes must be in writing and your living Will must be in your doctor’s hands to carry out your wishes.

Your Living Will Must be in Writing

Although it is wise to share your feelings with your loved ones, it is not enough just to tell them you want a living Will.  Instead, your wishes must be in writing.

Terri Schiavo told her husband she didn’t want to be hooked up to life support machines, but never put it in writing.  When she collapsed and was in an irreversible coma, her husband sought to have life support removed.

Terri’s parents disagreed and fought the removal.

15 years later, Terri was finally removed from life support.  An autopsy revealed that she had been brain dead the entire time. 

Your living Will wishes must be in writing.

Your Living Will Must be in Your Doctor’s Hands

When you need your living Will, a copy of the document must be in your doctor’s hands.  There are two ways to make sure your living Will is available when needed.

First, let your loved ones know that you have engaged in estate planning and that you have a living Will. Let them know where you keep the living Will and give your agent (under you medical power of attorney) a copy.

Second, use a virtual service such as www.Docubank.com, which issues you a wallet-sized card that provides codes for medical personnel to get a copy of your living Will so your wishes can be followed.