If living wills are not honored by family members then why do we have them?
2006-09-16 21:49:04 · 7 answers · asked by sueblue47 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
It is much like signing a organ donor card. It accomplishes two things:
1) Let's your family know your desires.
2) I believe it is enough to let doctors legally take action in cases where every attempt has been made to reach your family and they could not. I am almost certain it gives doctors legal permission if there is no immediate family to consult.
2006-09-16 21:53:47 · answer #1 · answered by Serving Jesus 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, they are supposed to be honored by families, and if they aren't, I feel it shows disrespect by the family members. Also, it may mean legal implications for medical personnel if the patient's wishes are ignored. So, what good are living wills? Good for the patient whose family and physician abide by them. But, they are never bad. Even in the case of a family that panics or starts to argue amongst themselves to the extent that they interfere with the living will, eventually it could be what helps them reunite and come to terms with what the "right" thing to do is. It also could be helpful in a case where part of the family wants to interfere, while some want to respect their sick relative's wishes, and it goes so far as litigation.
Although death is seldom easy for the sick person's family, it is truly the patient's decision, and it is a personal one. You only live once, and you only die once. Everyone should have the right to live the way they choose, and die with the same respect.
2006-09-17 05:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by drbernice843 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's sort of a way to confront family members ahead of time with the issue that could happen and give them the picture of what you want. It doesn't keep them from arguing later on if the situation arises, but it at least encourages discussion and allows you to make an impression on them how seriously you feel about it. I've heard its even better to put it in a videotape, reading it aloud and addressing those family mebers personally so it will make more of an emotional impact to them and make it harder for them to not follow it.
2006-09-17 05:04:58 · answer #3 · answered by FoudaFaFa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a living will is better than a dead one, HA HA but really it is if someone is ever to be in a vegtible state or is to have a hart attack or something of that nature, that living will shows that they DO NOT want to be put on a machine to live,
2006-09-17 04:58:15 · answer #4 · answered by Matthew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's better than a dead one.
2006-09-17 04:56:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
peace of mind?
err..well in theory they are good.
2006-09-17 05:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by Fluffy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who knows... not me
2006-09-17 04:50:44 · answer #7 · answered by kylexx4xxever 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋