| An advanced care directive, commonly | | | | depend on a vegetative state or terminal |
| known as a living will is something | | | | illness in order to be used. A good |
| everyone should have. A living will is a | | | | example of someone who would be |
| legal document that states specific | | | | incapable of making their own sound |
| directives regarding medical treatments | | | | medical decisions is someone with |
| that must be followed by caregivers or | | | | Alzheimer's. |
| the person appointed power of attorney | | | | If you choose not to have a living will |
| for health care decisions if you are | | | | or appoint a durable power of attorney |
| unable to give informed consent. A | | | | your family members may end up fighting |
| living will ensures that your wishes are | | | | and arguing over what treatment you |
| carried out. | | | | should or should not be receiving. Even |
| What Does a Living Will Cover? | | | | though a doctor will consult with your |
| There are some people that think a | | | | family they still may be split in the |
| living will is used only to direct | | | | decision making. Since doctors only |
| health care providers to withhold | | | | consult with family members, if you are |
| necessary medical treatment. While many | | | | unmarried the living will and durable |
| do use a living will for this type of | | | | power of attorney will enable them to |
| instruction, a living will is also a way | | | | have a say in your health care |
| for a person to ask for all available | | | | decisions. |
| medical techniques and treatments should | | | | An Attorney-In-Fact |
| they want them. Living wills are | | | | An Attorney-in-Fact is the person you |
| complicated because they deal with | | | | assign power of attorney. Whomever you |
| medical issues so it is always a good | | | | chose as the proxy for health care |
| idea to consult with your doctor so he | | | | decisions or attorney-in-fact needs to |
| can clarify any treatments or techniques | | | | be someone you trust and is comfortable |
| you are unsure of. | | | | talking about medical issues. An |
| One thing to keep in mind is that a | | | | assertive and diplomatic individual is |
| living will's legality does not take | | | | the preferred choice because you are |
| effect until the patient has been | | | | choosing someone to be your advocacy. |
| medically determined to be terminally | | | | They may need to argue with the doctors |
| ill or is in a permanent vegetative | | | | and even your family members, and in |
| state, unable to communicate medical | | | | some cases, go to court and fight on |
| wishes. | | | | your behalf. You need someone who is |
| The Difference between a Living Will and | | | | aware of the choices your have made and |
| Durable Power of Attorney | | | | will support any and all instructions |
| Some functions of a living will can be | | | | you have laid out. |
| performed by a durable power of | | | | More people are choosing to have a |
| attorney. The document gives the | | | | living will as it takes the pressure off |
| attorney legal power to make any health | | | | family members when it comes to making |
| care decision for a person who is unable | | | | important medical decisions. Medical |
| to make those decisions for themselves, | | | | decisions should never be made with your |
| in some cases it also allows the durable | | | | emotions, but unfortunately it happens |
| power of attorney to use his/her own | | | | too often. This is why a living will is |
| judgment. Unlike a living will, a | | | | a very important document to have. |
| durable power of attorney does not | | | | |