OCTOBER 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 55
LIVING WILLS
PREPARING FOR ANYTHING
During the prime of their lives, people
typically don’t give much thought to
scenarios in which they become ill or
are facing the end of life. Conversations
about sickness and mortality are not easy
to have, but it is important for everyone to
approach these serious topics with close
family members so that individuals can
rest easy knowing their needs will be met
if or when their health falters.
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An advanced healthcare directive also
known as a living will is a legal document
in which a person lists the specifi cs
of medical care and comfort actions they
desire should the individual no longer
be able to make decisions for themselves
due to illness or incapacity. The legal
advice website Legal Zoom says the
living will may list certain things, such
as whether life support is desired or if
pain medication should be administered.
A living will should not be confused
with a traditional will, which is a legal
document that explains wishes for
fi nancial and personal assets aft er a
person dies. Living wills also diff er
from living trusts, which address how
assets will be managed if a person
becomes incapacitated.
A living will is not always a necessity if
a person does not have strong feelings
about decisions made on his or her
behalf while not cognizant. However,
for those who do want to have a say in
care, a living will is the best method for
ensuring choices will be carried out.
The following are some other questions
people should ask themselves concerning
living wills.
Do I want to remove the burden of
tough choices from my loved ones?
A living will relieves grieving loved
ones of the responsibility of making
challenging decisions about invoking
life-saving procedures or not, particularly
if they are not sure what you
desire.
Do I have fi rm feelings about life-saving
methods? A living will allows you
to spell out preferences on insertion of
feeding tubes, if you want specialized
hydration, if you want to be hooked
up to life support if brain function is
minimal, and a host of other scenarios.
Is cost preventing me from draft ing a living
will? Cost need not be a factor in setting
up a living will. You can download a free
template from any number of online legal
sources. Local hospitals oft en have forms
as well, which can be notarized for only
a few dollars. These forms are generally
comprehensive and can help you answer
all the questions and write in specifi cs.
Have you selected a trusted person
to carry out wishes? A healthcare
proxy, according to the American Bar
Association, is a person appointed
by you with the authority to make
decisions for you if you are unable to
express your preferences for medical
treatment. Together with the living
will, the healthcare proxy, also called
a durable medical power of attorney,
can fulfi ll your wishes accordingly.
A living will is an important component
of medical and estate planning.
-Metro Creative Connection
LIFE EVER AFTER
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