Living Will-what does it consist of?

Question

I am interested in knowing more about how to craft a living will.

What should such a document contain, does it need to be notarized, etc.

I am having minor surgery(cholecystectomy-removal of gall bladder)soon. The packet that the surgeon sent to me includes instruction to bring a living will with me, when I go for the surgery.

I am interested in your experiences with a living will, as well as referrals to sites that contain user friendly info.

Answer 1

A living lill informs medical staff how you wish to be treated should you no longer be able to communicate your wishes to your medical team. With a living will you decide what happens if you are seriously ill with little chance of recovery. It makes sure it is not left to your next of kin to make life and death decisions on your behalf, although the choice is for the family to decide if you want next of kin to do this

Answer 2

You don't have to have a living will if you have surgery! It is a statement that is notarized what to do in a medical emergency including who can make decisions for you like a relative or friend. If you don't have one the doctor has to follow the hospital's policy on taking extraordinary measures.

Living wills make a statement if you want all measures taken to keep you alive. It can state that if you are unable to make decisions, do you want nurishments or all measure taken, or none like giving you medicines like pain drugs or nurishment through a G-tube or vein.

Google living will and you will find an easy one you might want to use. We had our done by a lawyer and the cost was minimal.

Good luck with the surgery.

Answer 3

Lack of a living will is what created all the Terry Schaivo furor.

Google "living will" and see if they offer you some free forms you can down load.

When my father was admitted to the hospital a few years ago, the dr asked me if he had a living will. I said he did, but added, "doctor, do what you think is appropriate."