When preparing a will, it is not only about dividing up your belongings but also about choosing your healthcare wishes. Your will is a legal document that can communicate your personal medical preferences.
Learning about medical decisions you can include in your will helps you write down your true wishes for the future.
Healthcare proxy choice
One important choice you can make in your will is selecting a healthcare proxy. This person will make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It helps to pick someone trustworthy who deeply understands your healthcare wishes.
End-of-life care instructions
You can outline your preferences for end-of-life care in your will. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments like CPR or artificial nutrition. Clearly stating your wishes ensures your medical care reflects your beliefs.
Organ donation preferences
If you want to donate your organs after death, you can specify this in your will. By doing so, your loved ones and medical professionals will know your wishes regarding organ donation.
Palliative care preferences
Palliative care focuses on relieving the symptoms of serious illnesses. In your will, you can express your preferences for palliative care, such as pain management. This ensures you receive compassionate care during difficult times.
Do-not-resuscitate orders
You can include a do-not-resuscitate, or DNR, order in your will if you have specific preferences about resuscitation efforts. This tells medical staff not to perform CPR if your heart stops. Clearly stating your DNR preferences prevents unwanted medical interventions.
Incorporating medical decisions into your will allows you to maintain control over your body, even in unexpected and stressful situations. By creating an estate plan, you can give peace of mind to your loved ones if an injury happens.