Creating a Living Will: 3 Key Things Seniors Should Think About

As we get older, it’s important to think about how we want our healthcare handled if we can’t speak for ourselves. A living will helps make sure your medical choices are clear and respected, even if you’re not able to communicate them. Getting this right can give you peace of mind and make things easier for your loved ones.

So here are 3 key things to consider when creating your living will. 

Be Clear About Your Wishes

Being specific about what you want (or don’t want) in your medical care helps prevent any confusion or disagreements later on. It’s your chance to spell out exactly what you want so that your wishes can be properly honored. 

So:

• Detail your preferences. Clearly state which treatments you want or don’t want. For instance, say whether you want to be on a ventilator, have CPR, or use feeding tubes in different situations.
• Use simple language. Really, avoid complicated medical terms. Write in plain language so that anyone reading it can easily understand your wishes.
• Get professional help. It’s wise to talk to a lawyer or healthcare provider to make sure your living will is clear and covers everything it needs to.

Follow Legal Requirements

Making sure your living will meets local legal requirements is crucial. If it doesn’t, it might not be considered valid when it’s needed.

You want to:

• Check local laws. Find out what the rules are in your state or country. For example, how many witnesses you need, whether it needs to be notarized, and any specific wording required.
• Use standard forms. Many places offer templates that already meet legal standards. These can be found online or through legal resources.
• Consult a lawyer. Again, an attorney who knows elder law can help ensure your living will meets all the legal requirements and advise you on any additional steps you might need to take.

Make Sure Everyone Knows

It’s important that the right people know about your living will so that they can follow your wishes when it matters. It also helps avoid any family arguments or confusion.

So:

• Share copies. Give copies of your living will to family members, your doctors, and any legal representatives. At the very least, make sure they know where the document is and how to access it if needed.
• Have a chat. Talk openly with your loved ones and healthcare providers about your preferences. Explain why you’ve made the choices you did to ensure they understand.
• Update as needed. Chances are you review your living will from time to time, especially if your health situation changes or if you just want to make updates. Make sure everyone involved is aware of any changes.

By keeping these things in mind, you can create a living will that clearly outlines your wishes and ensures they’re followed, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.