How to Create a Living Will: A Step-by-Step Guide for Carroll Seniors
Studies show that there are 180,000 to 450,000 sudden deaths in the US every year. It's an unfortunate but very real fact of life: things happen when we least expect them to.
This is why it's essential to get everything squared away while you still can. As an older adult in Carroll, Iowa, this means creating senior legal documents that discuss key topics so there's no ambiguity for your loved ones. One such document is a living will.
In this article, we'll show you what a living will is, as well as how to create a living will so you're prepared for the future.
What's a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document that clearly outlines what your medical preferences are in case you're not able to communicate them yourself. For example, you may have an accident or health issue that renders you unconscious, and a quick decision may be needed to determine whether you should go through surgery.
Typically, a living will addresses whether you want interventions should you become critically ill, such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or dialysis. It'll also put a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) or do-not-intubate (DNI) order in place if that's what you wish for.
Other issues a living will take care of are pain management and comfort care. It's important to make clear if you prefer palliative or hospice care to stay comfortable, even if it might shorten your life.
Lastly, this document will outline your preferences regarding organ donation after you've passed.
How to Create a Living Will
Firstly, it's essential to have open conversations with your family members or close friends about your medical preferences. Advance care planning is crucial, as they'll be aware of what you want, and it'll prevent confusion.
Here are the topics to include:
- What kind of treatments you would or wouldn't want in a medical emergency
- Who do you trust to make decisions if you aren't able to do so
- Any religious or personal beliefs that influence your medical decisions
Choose a Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is also called a durable power of attorney for healthcare or medical power of attorney. This is someone who you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
Don't take this decision lightly. Choose someone who:
- Understand your values and medical preferences
- Can remain calm in stressful situations
- Is willing and able to advocate for your choices with medical professionals
They should be someone you trust, such as your spouse, adult child, or close friend. Since it's someone you're entrusting with life decisions, be sure to discuss your wishes in detail, with clarity.
Consult an Attorney or Use State-Specific Forms
Laws regarding living wills will vary from state to state, so it's important that you use the correct legal forms. Otherwise, your document may be invalidated and not legally binding. In this case, hospitals and doctors may not follow your instructions, and your family members may disagree on your care, which can lead to hefty legal battles.
In Iowa, a living will is called a declaration relating to life-sustaining procedures. If you consult an elder law attorney, they can ensure that your living will complies with state laws and that it's correctly drafted.
Otherwise, you can get the form from:
- The Iowa State Bar Association
- Your healthcare provider
- Iowa Department of Public Health
Complete and Sign the Living Will
Whatever you choose in the above step, you'll have to fill the entire document out, clearly stating your medical preferences. Then, you'll have to sign it in the presence of two witnesses or a notary. Do note that the witnesses can't be your healthcare provider, employees of your senior care community, or someone who will inherit from you.
Also, make sure that your healthcare proxy signs any required acknowledgment forms.
Distribute Copies of Your Living Will
Once your living will is finalized, the next step is to distribute copies to the proper parties. The original copy should be kept in a safe but accessible place, such as a filing cabinet. We don't recommend keeping it in a locked safe since it may be inaccessible to your loved ones in crucial moments.
These are the people you should give copies of your living will to:
- Your primary care physician and any specialists involved in your care
- Your healthcare proxy and family members who may need access to it
- Your hospital or senior care community (if applicable)
Review and Update as Needed
Naturally, your preferences may change over time, and that's okay. Just make sure that you review your living will periodically so that it matches your current wishes.
Here are some considerations for updating the document:
- You're diagnosed with a new medical condition
- Your family situation changes (i.e., marriage, divorce, loss of a spouse)
- You move to a different state with different legal requirements
You might need to revoke the previous living will to make changes. In that case, you'll have to create a new document.
Additional Tips for Creating a Living Will
After you've created a living will, it can be beneficial to keep a card in your wallet that states this fact. That, along with who to contact in an emergency, can make a huge difference in your future health.
You should also talk to your doctor about your medical preferences to ensure they align with your living will. If not, it may be wise to switch doctors.
Lastly, if you have a serious illness, consider adding a POLST (provider orders for life-sustaining treatment). This can provide more specific medical instructions.
Be Prepared for Future Medical Decisions
A living will is vital in regard to planning for the future, especially if you want your medical preferences honored. By learning how to create a living will now, you'll give both yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. Should any difficult healthcare decisions come up, you'll rest easy knowing that they'll be made according to your desires.
Get in touch with us now to hear more about assisted living in Carroll, Iowa. Addington Place of Carroll has an active social calendar with things like morning exercise classes.