How to Write Your Own Basic Living Will
A living will, or "advance directive," is a document that states clearly that if there is no reasonable hope for recovery, you want to die without having your life prolonged by artificial means. The basic living will serves as a directive to health care providers in the event that you cannot communicate with them as to what medical treatments and equipment may and may not be used in an effort to extend your life. The living will is a companion document to the Will, Health Proxy, Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Do Not Resuscitate Orders, and Trust documents you prepare in advance of your life's end.
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Things You'll Need
- Typewriter or word processor and printer
- Medical treatment checklist
- Valid state living will form
- Notary public (if required in your state)
- Witnesses (if required in your state)
Instructions
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Consult with your primary health care provider to learn what extraordinary measures or treatments can be administered in the event you are hospitalized and suffering from a terminal illness. These measures might include ventilators to keep you breathing, intravenous nutrients and hydration, re-starting your heart if it stops, amputations, or other medical procedures.
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Determine what treatments and to what extent you want your health care providers to go in prolonging your life if you are dying and there is no hope for full recovery, and list them. You should take into account your most deeply held feelings about the value of life when you make this list.
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Ask a person you trust to serve as your health care agent. This person will act to carry out your wishes as written in your living will, and will be responsible for monitoring the medical treatment you receive at the end of your life.
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Contact a local hospice care organization to get the necessary living will forms for the state where you live, and fill them in. Depending upon your state's requirements, you may need a notary public to witness your signature, and one or more witnesses.
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Make copies of the signed forms and distribute them to your health care provider, members of your family, and your health care agent.
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Tips & Warnings
Involve your family and people to whom you are close when you are planning your living will. Discuss your feelings about the subject with them, and help them understand why you are choosing the options you do.
It's a good idea to periodically review the basic living will as you age and your overall health changes. What is appropriate today might not be relevant 15 years from now.
If you store your living will only in a locked safe or deposit box, there is a risk that your agent will not be able to retrieve it in time to act on your wishes for end-of-life care.
