When a person reaches a certain age, a living will is an important document they should consider having drawn up. Though they are most often seen in cases of serious illness, a person in good health can and should have one drawn up as well. Why should you have a living will? Primarily, because it will serve as the foundation for your medical care as time goes on.
What Does a Living Will Do?
A living will is a document that can technically do a number of things, which include, but are not limited to:
- Designate a specific person to make choices related to your health care for you in your stead
- Declare how you would like to be cared for in the event of surgery or long-term hospitalization
- State how you would like to be cared for in the event of a diagnosis of a terminal illness
- Inform your loved ones what your funeral wishes are and how you would like them to be carried out
While these are often complicated conversations to have with your loved ones, putting your express wishes on paper is the best way to ensure that they are carried out in no uncertain terms. While a living will can be general in nature, it is recommended that you make them as specific as possible so that it becomes more difficult to contend your wishes.
Who Should Have a Living Will?
While anyone over the age of 18 can technically have one, the two groups of people who need to think most about having a living will drawn up are those who have recently reached retirement age and those who are dealing with a serious or terminal illness. These groups are, by far, the most impacted by the kinds of issues this document addresses.
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