What Does a Living Will Do?

In an ideal world, you would never be put into a situation where you were incapacitated and unable to relay what type of medical treatment you want and how you want your healthcare to be handled. Unfortunately, the world is a precarious place and it is also unpredictable. Life is prone to throw challenges at us that in some situations can be life-altering.

There is no way to tell what your future holds, so being proactive and establishing a plan in advance that respects your personal wishes can be a backup should the unthinkable happen. A living will is a critical estate planning, legal document, that will speak to what types of medical treatment and care you would like if you are indisposed due to a catastrophic injury or illness.

For assistance with estate planning or for strategic elder care planning services, please reach out to the experienced Canton living wills lawyer at The Law Office of Brian S. Karpe today.

Why You Need a Living Will 

It does not matter how old you are or what your physical condition is. There are several situations that can unexpectedly change your life in a moment. For example, You may be gravely injured in a car accident just running to the store. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were as many as 42,795 Americans who died in car accidents throughout the United States. Or, you may see your doctor only to find out you have a rare, and deadly disease.

Having a living will ensures that when you cannot speak for yourself, you have something in place that can do so on your behalf. This makes it easier for your loved ones so they do not have to wonder what your wishes would be. Instead, it helps them ensure that you are being given the treatment and care that you would have wanted if you were able to voice your opinions yourself.

Living wills are critical for young adults, middle-aged individuals, and mature adults. Everyone can benefit from having a living will, otherwise known as an advance directive.

When putting a living will together it is best to be as detailed and as clear as possible so that your intentions are understood. You should have the following topics covered in your living will:

• When you would like to forfeit treatment or for how long you would like to be treated when your outlook is dire.
• What type of treatment you would want and which you would not want.
• If you would like treatment even if the only outcome would be you losing your self-reliance and independence and needing long-term care as a result.
• What medications and pain management care you prefer and which you do not.
• If you would like to donate your organs.

Speak to a Connecticut Living Wills Attorney Today 

The importance and significance of having a living will in place cannot be understated. If you would like to learn more about putting a living will together or if you have questions about estate planning and what tools would work best for your needs, please call our Connecticut guardianship attorney at The Law Office of Brian S. Karpe at 860-217-1458 today.

 Source:

nhtsa.gov/press-releases/traffic-crash-death-estimates-2022