Living Wills and Health Care Proxies

What would happen if you or your spouse lack capacity to make decisions about the continuation of medical care while in an irreversible coma or suffering the final stages of a terminal illness? What should happen in the event that you or your spouse are unable to express your respective intentions regarding life sustaining treatment? Would anyone have the authority to make medical decisions on your or your spouse’s behalf?

 

Living Wills are written documents which formally state your intentions in the event that you become incapacitated or that you should suffer an incurable or irreversible medical condition which is likely to cause death within a relatively short time. A Health Care Proxy designates someone to make the medical decisions on your behalf in such circumstances and can be drafted to state your intentions regarding life sustaining treatment and pain medications.

 

When properly drafted, your Living Will and/or Health Care Proxy should include the authority to carry out your wishes regarding the removal of life support machines, feeding tubes and hydration, and your instructions regarding pain medication.