For ease of access, consider using a company that will electronically create and store your living will.
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What is the best way to begin writing a living will? I am getting older and facing health challenges, so I would like to get this done without incurring significant expenses.
Preparing a living will is a smart decision that gives you a say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here is what you should know, along with some resources to help you write one.
What to Prepare To adequately explain your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment, you need two legal documents: a “living will” that outlines the kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health-care power of attorney” (or health-care proxy) that names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.
In some states, these two documents are known as an “advance directive” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions for yourself. You can also amend it at any time in the future.
It is not necessary to hire a lawyer to prepare an advance directive. Each state has its own laws relating to signing and witness requirements, and some have standard forms you may use. In addition, there are several free or low-cost “do-it-yourself” resources available to help you create one, and it takes only a few minutes from start to finish. These resources are offered by various companies and not-for-profit agencies.
You should search online to find assistance using key search terms such as “make a living will” or other variations. You will want to look for well-established organizations and review the services they provide and any associated fees. For ease of access, consider using a company that will electronically create and store your living will. If you are a veteran, VA provides a free advance directive form at VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0137.
Add-ons You should also consider executing a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your health-care planning. A DNR may protect you from unwanted emergency care like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To create a DNR, your doctor must fill out a state-approved form, and you will both need to sign it.
Another tool that will complement your advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) or the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST). A POLST or MOLST translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders that must be honored by your doctors. These are prepared by your medical provider and address concerns relating to specific conditions. To learn more about these documents and to see if they are appropriate for you, consult with your medical provider.
Inform Your Family To ensure your final wishes are followed, make sure to inform your family members, health-care proxy and doctors of your preferences. You should also provide each of them with a copy of your advance directive or, if you create a digital version, share it electronically.
“Savvy Living” is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to NBC’s “Today Show.” The column, and others like it, is available to read via The American Legion’s Fund Development program, a way of establishing your legacy of support for the organization while providing for your current financial needs. Consider naming The American Legion in your will or trust as a part of your personal legacy. Learn more about the process, and the variety of charitable programs you can benefit, at legion.org/plannedgiving. Clicking on “Learn more” will bring up an “E-newsletter” button, where you can sign up for regular information.
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