Let’s be honest, no one wants to ever think about the end of life process, especially when it pertains to an aging parent or loved one. We want to think about the end of life process even less in regards to ourselves. The reality of the situation is that it is selfish to not think about it. Putting a living will in place protects those you love most, your spouse or children, from having to make decisions that could haunt them for life.
What is a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document that informs your doctors if you wish to be kept alive by artificial means or not, should you be in a coma or have a terminal condition. You can determine the length of time you would like artificial life support, the types of life support that are acceptable to you, and at what point you do not wish to be artificially kept alive. You can also check a box that allows your medical professionals to withhold nutrition and hydration should you be at the end of your life or with a condition from which you will not regain consciousness.
What Happens if You Do Not Have a Living Will?
If you do not have a living will, you will be kept alive with artificial life support for one year, at a minimum, before the courts will make a decision to take you off of life support. In addition to the possible emotional effects this has, it also means that you will be accumulating medical costs throughout the year that must be dealt with, adding more stress to your loved ones’ plates.
