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Living
Wills - Advanced Medical Directive
There can be some confusion as to what a 'living will' is. The
basic concept is actually quite simple. "The living will
(also known as an ‘advance directive’) allows people to leave
instructions about their possible medical treatment, in case there
comes a time when they are no longer capable of making decisions
or of communicating them1". This usually occurs
at the end of your life (although not exclusively so) and is specific
as to how you want to be treated during your final days.
The
living will is not unlike a "power
of attorney" that one appoints to manage their finances
once they become incapacitated.
The difference being a living will is a medical directive.
You
do not need to have a lawyer to create a living will. It should
be noted, though, that the legislation that applies to living
wills can be quite complex and to avoid any legal strangleholds
it may be advisable to have the assistance of a lawyer.
The
living will appoints another person of your choosing to make the
decisions that you cannot. This is commonly referred to as a 'proxy
directive' or a 'durable medical power of attorney'. Alternatively
you may just need your chosen person to list your instructions
pertaining to the procedures that may need to be undertaken should
you be unable to make decisions yourself at the time.
Be
sure to distribute copies of your living will to your appointed
'proxy directive', your spouse or significant other and
your doctor(s). It is advisable to carry some sort of notification
card in your wallet that would instruct physicians that there
is a living will in place. At which point they can contact your
doctor(s) and/or family for a copy.
You
may alter the contents of your living will at any time; be advised
though, that you do need to destroy all the copies of the
original to make it valid and to avoid any legal complications.
Although
it is easy to think that some of us are too young to start considering
our wills, it is a good idea to make a living will if you are
over 18 years of age.
We
have a very simple sample
living will that can be printed and used as a living will.
If there are modifications necessary, simply copy and paste the
text into your own word processor and make your desired changes.
Sources:
(1) The Voluntary Euthanasia Society, http://www.ves.org.uk/
In
Canada: If you would like a full LIVING WILLS PACKAGE
send $19 Canadian to: Living Wills Registry 93 St Vincent St North
Stratford Ontario, N5A 6H5 CANADA Please remember to include your
return address with your cheque.The package contains these forms:
THE LIVING WILL, POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE, NON-OBLIGATORY
VALUES STATEMENT and ORGAN DONATION forms. Also included are full
instructions, and an invaluable set of completion examples to
get you started.
In
the U.K.: U.K. citizens may purchase a Living Will kit
by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to: VES, 13 Prince
of Wales Terrace, London W8 5PG. Be sure to enclose a cheque or
postal order for £5. We must stress that these forms are suitable
for use within the UK only.
In the United States: You can obtain up-to-date
state-by-state information about advance directives, along with
statutory forms, if they exist in your state, from: Legal Counsel
for the Elderly (LCE) American Association of Retired Persons
P.O. Box 96474 Washington, DC 20090-6474. LCE has state-specific
guidebooks about advance directives. If you want to order a booklet,
send $5 per booklet (for shipping and handling) to the above address.
Or visit their web site at:
http://www.ama-assn.org/public/booklets/livgwill.htm
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