Page 7 - Advance Directives Proof

LIVING WILL

1 What is a Living Will?

“I’m healthy. I’m young. I don’t need to worry about these things.” Your house is
in good shape, too, but you have insurance in case disaster strikes, right? Think of
a living will as insurance that you get the treatments you want if a health disaster
leaves you unable to speak for yourself.

A living will outlines your preferences for dealing with life-sustaining medical
procedures in the event you are unable to communicate your decisions for
yourself. A living will directs your family and medical staff about whether to
continue, withhold, or withdraw life-sustaining treatments if you are incapable
of expressing your wishes because of an incurable and terminal condition or
persistent vegetative state.
2 What are life-sustaining treatments?

Medical procedures that are only meant to prolong the process of dying or sustain a
condition of permanent unconsciousness. A patient who is receiving life-sustaining
treatment will die soon, whether or not treatment is administered. Life-sustaining
treatment may include a respirator (for breathing), cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) (restores heartbeat), dialysis (clears body of waste), tube feeding for hydration
(water) or nutrition (food) or both, and other medical procedures.
3 What is a terminal condition?

An incurable or irreversible condition which, without the administration of life-sustaining
procedures, will, in the opinion of a physician, result in its usual course.
4 What is a persistent vegetative state?

A persistent vegetative state is an irreversible state that has been medically
confirmed by a neurology specialist who is an expert in the examination of
nonresponsive individuals in which the person has intact brain stem function but no
higher cortical function and no awareness of self or environment.
5 Who can have a Living Will?

Anyone over the age of 18, that is of sound body and mind, and acting of his or her
own free will, can complete a living will.
6 What is the difference between a Living Will and an ordinary will?

A living will only specifies healthcare wishes. An ordinary will deals with the
disposition of property upon your death.

www.binghammemorial.org 7