ÔPROTECT
YOUR FUTURE WITH A LIVING WILLÕ
Recent
statistics show that the majority of Americans still do not have a living will.
We have all had friends, family members or people that we know that were
seriously ill or injured and suddenly unable to speak for themselves, a tragedy
that is compounded by the lack of a living will or medical power of attorney.
Tough decisions will have to be made regardless, and that duty will fall to the
next of kin if nothing is in writing. Do you really want that? Or are you
assuming that they would know what your wishes are. IÕd say better rethink
that- they do not have a crystal ball.
None
of us wants to think it will ever happen to us, thatÕs just human, but how
comforting it is to know your wishes will be carried out. Having a living will
in place also takes the burden off of family members that may be undecided what
to do. What a nice thing to do for them, remember they are suffering right
along with you.
A
living will also clarifies your wishes to the medical team caring for you. No
second-guessing.
There
are essentially three levels that you can choose from when making a living
will. The first level states that you do not want any extraordinary measures
taken to prolong your life. The next level states that you would like to have
some measures taken leaving some measures open for interpretation by family and
physician. The third level states that you want every possible measure taken to
keep you alive.
Most
individuals choose the middle road. But should you choose to ask that nothing
be done rest assured that if you entered a hospital as a viable but ill
individual to undergo a major surgery, or suffered a serious injury they arenÕt
going to stand by and simply allow you to succumb. If breathing tube following
a major surgery is whatÕs necessary for a few days until your body can be
restored to normal function thatÕs what they will do. Should you choose to ask
that everything be done rest assured that they will do that as well. Only after
every measure has been exhausted will they stop.
Each
and every individual should take the time to think out what they want to have
done and make a living will. You protect your loved ones from making decisions
that may be based on their own inability to face loss or making the wrong
decision because they simply donÕt know what the right one is. And, you protect yourself from the
likes of feeding tubes, intubation tubes and a long life in an extended care
facility with little or no quality of life and certainly no dignity.
Your
family physician and both local hospitals have livings wills available. Once
you have made your decision and signed it be sure that your family physician
has a copy and your loved one in charge understands your feelings and has
access to a copy. Till next time, Rebecca