As with many estate planning topics, incapacitation planning is not the most pleasant topic in the world to consider. However, it is a topic that should not be overlooked. Incapacitation planning is the process of planning for the possibility of severe illness or injury.
Have you ever thought about whether you would want to be kept alive by a ventilator if you fell into a persistent vegetative state? Do you consent to undergo dialysis if you require it? What are your personal beliefs about organ donation and palliative care? These are extremely important questions and that are deeply personal. A living will allows you to make decisions about these crucial matters ahead of time. This ensures that your loved ones as well as your doctors understand the types of medical care you wish to receive if you are ever too sick to explain your wishes.
You Deserve to Be in Charge of Your Own Medical Decisions
Normally, doctors and other medical professionals can simply discuss medical options with their patient. However, if a patient is incapacitated to a degree that they cannot communicate, doctors may need to guess what the patient would want. A living will takes the guesswork out of this situation. Your living will can specify your decisions regarding artificial ventilation, CPR, palliative care, dialysis, medications, tube feeding, and much more.
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