How can I make sure that my final health decisions are met?

It is commonly said that you never know when your time is up, and that no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Although we do not intend to make light of anyone’s health, the fact is that in today’s world anything can happen, including accidents, injuries or illnesses, that may strike a victim without warning.

It is important to make sure that your own wishes regarding your health are met. Predicting an accident or tragedy is impossible, and such an incident may leave a person incapacitated and unable to speak or communicate. That is why we have living wills, which are not actually wills, but more pre-established healthcare directives. These include many circumstances, including but not limited to whether you wish to be resuscitated, have a feeding tube or remain on life support. Living wills can also inform medical professionals of your desires regarding organ donations as well, potentially saving the life of others.

Such decisions are important not only to protect and ensure your best wishes, but to also prevent issues that may arise between family members during the time of your illness or injury. Family members and loved ones may disagree on decisions to be made regarding your health, and if they are unable to speak with you or know your decisions things can become hostile.

It is not uncommon for living wills to be overlooked and considered of little importance, until it’s too late. Our readers may need to get more information about living wills and health care decisions to develop a plan and make certain that your wishes are met in the case of an accident or illness that leaves you unable to express your wishes to others.

Source: Findlaw.com, “Living Wills: Introduction,” Accessed Nov. 22, 2016