It is important for every person, both the ill and the healthy, to complete a Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will. These documents define how you want to be medically cared for if you are not able to speak for yourself.
The Medical Power of Attorney designates WHO you want to make your decisions for you, in the situation that you cannot do it for yourself. Points to consider when making this decision include:
- Whom do you trust to follow your wishes?
- Whom would you want to protect from having to sign legal papers during this time?
- Who will be both physically and emotionally able to do this job?
- Who knows what your wishes are?
THE LIVING WILL
People often assume that their family/loved ones know their wishes about medical care but have never had a discussion about it. We strongly suggest that families have open and honest discussions about these important preferences in medical care. It can be most helpful for the whole family to know (even if they disagree) what preferences each person has.
A Living Will allows you to convey YOUR WISHES regarding treatment when those wishes can no longer be personally communicated.
There are a variety of web sites that you can use for more information. You may also want totalk with your attorney about these issues.
