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Estate planning dictates end-of-life care should you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes. By creating a living will, you can leave detailed instructions about these and other preferences. Otherwise, your loved ones face a variety of legal and emotional challenges as they try to decide these issues on your behalf without any guidance. Below is a brief guide to the document and what it should include. 

What Can a Living Will Cover?

1. Life Support Wishes 

If you become severely injured or ill and require life-sustaining medical treatment, it’s essential for family members and health care providers to understand how you feel about life support. Include whether or not you want to be placed on it, so loved ones don’t have to guess. 

2. Medical Care Decisions 

willsThere are several other life-prolonging procedures to consider when drafting a living will. For instance, you should also address if you want to receive blood transfusions, diagnostic tests, kidney dialysis, medications, surgery, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 

3. Food & Water Preferences 

It’s common for the document to include your preferences on receiving artificially administered food and water. Decide whether you want an IV or feeding tube if you can no longer naturally consume or digest food. If you have strong feelings about this approach, indicate how doctors should handle food and water in various circumstances. 

4. Palliative Care Instructions 

If you do want to be kept alive as long as possible, it’s wise to go over palliative care instructions in your living will. This refers to medications and treatments that reduce any physical pain you may feel. You can address everything from pills to acupuncture and massage therapy. 

 

Life is full of unexpected tragedies. As such, it’s crucial for adults of every age to take estate planning seriously. For help preparing a living will, turn to John E. Bach Attorney at Law. He offers over 30 years of legal expertise and has helped numerous Goshen, NY, residents plan for the future. He will ensure your documents are executed according to state law and cover everything about your end-of-life care. Call (845) 294-7941 today to schedule a consultation, or visit the website for more information about his background in this practice area. 

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