A recent AARP survey found that 81% of adults know end-of-life planning is important, but many avoid talking about it. This can make it hard for families to know what to do if a loved one cannot make medical decisions. A living will helps by clearly stating what kind of medical care a person wants.
For seniors in Luling, Louisiana, having a living will ensures their healthcare wishes are followed. This document lets them decide in advance about treatments like life support, pain management, and CPR. Learn how to create one in detail below:
Understand What a Living Will Covers
A living will explains what medical treatments you want or don’t want if you can’t speak for yourself. It helps doctors and family members know your choices ahead of time. Here are some important decisions you may include:
- Whether you want to be kept on life support
- If you want doctors to try CPR if your heart stops
- Whether you want a feeding tube if you can’t eat or drink
- How much pain medicine you need to stay comfortable
Writing these choices down helps avoid confusion in advance care planning. It also makes things easier for your family if they have to make tough decisions. All in all, a clear living will ensures everyone involved in your healthcare follow your wishes.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Talking to your doctor helps you understand different medical treatments. They can explain what happens if you choose or refuse certain treatments. Their advice helps you make smart living choices for your health.
Ask about ways to stay comfortable if you are very sick. Learn about feeding tubes, ventilators, and other life-support options. Understanding these things helps you make the right decisions for yourself.
Your medical provider will also ensure that any advice complies with state rules. They may suggest helpful forms or resources. Good advice from a doctor can help make your living will clear and useful.
Choose a Healthcare Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney)
A healthcare proxy is an individual you choose to make medical decisions for you if you can’t. This person should understand your wants and be ready to speak for you. In Louisiana, the law allows people to choose a healthcare agent using legal documents.
The Louisiana State Legislature has made rules that let you name someone to make medical choices. If you don’t pick someone, the state decides who can make decisions on your behalf. The government does this to help prevent confusion during emergencies.
A healthcare proxy (medical power of attorney) ensures your wishes are followed, even if you can’t speak. If you don’t have one, doctors might ask family members who might not know what you want. Choosing the right person gives you control over your medical care.
It’s important to talk to the person you choose before making it official. They need to know exactly what you want in different situations. Ensure they can instruct medical professionals about your choices.
Write Your Living Will
Though you can write a living will on your own, a lawyer can help ensure it’s done right. There are also online forms and legal services that can guide you. These tools can help you explain your wishes clearly.
Either way, be specific about the treatments you want or don’t want. Include details about life support, CPR, and pain management. Clear instructions help doctors and family members follow your wishes correctly.
You may also want to include a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order or organ donation preferences. The living will should reflect what matters most to you. So, write everything down to prevent confusion or conflicts later.
Make It Legally Binding
To make your living will official, it must follow certain state rules. Most states require witness signatures or a notary to make the document valid. Checking these rules makes sure your document is legally accepted.
In Louisiana, the law allows adults to put their wishes in writing with two witnesses present as part of estate planning for aging. After being diagnosed, you can even make a spoken or nonverbal statement with two witnesses. If your living will is not legally recognized, doctors may not follow it for fear of risking their licenses.
Store and Share Copies
After you finish, your living will should be stored safely, yet remain easily accessible. Your healthcare proxy, lawyer, and family should have copies. Consider these suitable locations for storage:
- With your doctor, so it’s in your medical records
- In a safe but easy-to-reach spot at home
- With a lawyer or trusted person
- In a digital format, if your hospital allows it
Sharing your living will helps ensure people know about it before an emergency. Some hospitals will keep a copy in your file so doctors can see it right away. The more accessible your senior legal documents are, the greater the chance that your wishes will be followed.
Review and Update Regularly
A living will should be updated when your health or life situation changes. Medical advances might also affect your choices. Reviewing it ensures it still matches your wishes.
Big life changes (getting married or having a baby) might mean you need to change your living will. If your feelings about medical care change or another healthcare proxy is chosen, update your document. This way, doctors and family know what you want.
Talk to a medical professional or lawyer if you need to make changes. Make sure your new living will is legally valid. Keeping it current helps avoid confusion and ensures your wishes are respected.
Take Control of Your Future Medical Care with a Living Will Today
A living will makes sure your medical wishes are followed if you cannot speak for yourself. It also helps your family by giving clear instructions so they don’t have to make tough decisions alone. Taking this step now ensures your choices are respected in the future.
At SummerHouse Ashton Manor, we know how important it is to plan for the future. Our top-notch assisted living and memory care community in Luling, Louisiana, provides seniors with a safe and comfortable community. Book a visit now to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.
