Write a Living Will

A revocable living will is an important document that may turn out to be the answer in a life and death situation. A living will is also known as the Advance Medical Directive. Everything in this world is transient. Times keep changing and a person who is in the pink of health may suddenly be hospitalized and living on life support. Under such circumstances, when death is inevitable or death is better than suffering, a living will proves to be quite useful.

You have lived your life on your terms, so it's your right to choose death over medical treatments that delay a sure death. It is your right to take part in health care decisions regarding your life. You writing a living will help save your loved ones from making agonizing decisions. The best example of a living will can be given of former US President Richard Nixon. Mr. Nixon suffered from a severe stroke that caused irreversible brain damage. He could have survived living on a respirator in a vegetative state. Mr. Nixon had prepared a living will for himself, that directed the doctors to let him die a natural and peaceful death. The late president had set an example for many Americans who can opt for a living will for themselves.

What is a Living Will?
A living will and trust are often confused. A living trust is used to transfer property to the beneficiaries. A living will helps you decide the course of treatment that needs to be taken to keep you alive by support systems, that include artificially supplied nutrition and hydration. A living will comes into effect in case of terminally ill patients or those in a permanent unconscious state of mind or conscious but suffering from irreversible brain damage.

How to Write a Living Will
When you want to make a living will, you need to follow certain steps. These steps to make a living will are necessary in making a sound medical living will that will be useful under inevitable conditions. The first step in writing a living will involves thinking of all the types of situations and care that may come up. A medical living will becomes your voice when you are unable to speak your mind. The following things should be considered and included when writing a living will.

• Circumstances: You need to mention all the exact circumstances under which you may or may not want to receive medical care. You can ask for pain relief and decline life-prolonging procedures.
  
• Ventilator: A mechanical pump that will help you breath when you cease to breath on your own. You can specify when you write a living will whether you may or may not want to live with the help of mechanical breathing apparatus.
  
• CPR: In many cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is resorted to, if the heart stops pumping. This is done to keep a brain dead person alive. You can include the clause when writing a living or as a separate stand alone like, 'Do Not Resuscitate' order.
  
• Artificial Feeding and Intravenous Fluids: Artificial feeding and intravenous fluids are given to a patient to provide nutrients and prevent dehydration. You can deny being fed by a tube that passes through the nose into the stomach or a surgical insertion of the tube directly into the stomach. You can also deny the intake of nutrition and hydrating measures to be delivered through an IV tube. You can even specify for how long and when you would want to receive artificial feeding and intravenous fluids.

These are a few examples of the various circumstances and situations that can be mentioned when your write your living will. When you make a living will, you need to consult your doctor regarding your decision and the medical issues that need to be mentioned in your medical living will.

The next discussion you need to make is with your family regarding your legal living will. You should understand the wishes of your family and listen to their opinions. You should make each and every one agree with your decision, so that, in time of need there are no conflicting two parties. You can also include your priest in this decision making process.

State's Copy of Living Will
Each state has set specific rules and guidelines regarding a legal living will according to the respective state laws. You should obtain the state's living will form from the state health department, local hospitals or doctors. You may also appoint a lawyer to help you prepare a legal living will and last will that are in conjunction. If you relocate from one state to another, you may have to reapply for a new medical living will, as there is no nationalized standard.

Once your medical living will form is filled, make sure you don't miss out on any extra or specific wishes you need to make. After writing a living will form, sign and get it witnessed according to your state law. Once the form is completed, make copies of the living will and give it to your family members, doctors, lawyers and keep a copy with your important papers.

Health Care Power of Attorney
A health care power of attorney helps you appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. This situation arises when you are unconscious or cannot take medical decisions due to any reasons. The person appointed as your Health Care Power of Attorney is known as an 'agent'. The agent is an important part of a legal living will, as it is this person who will weigh all the pros and cons of the treatment and make a a decision based on your wishes.

Your decision to write a living will will prove to be a boon for you and your loved ones. Though I pray you may never need one. But if the need arises, you will be at ease that things will be taken care of according to your wish. You need to keep updating your living will as medical technology is changing and advancing every minute. A living will helps you die with dignity, when the need arises.