Page 13 - TR RVO Extra 2020

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS AND RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITIONS OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXTRA
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 13SS
HEALTH
Things to know before drafting
a living will
An advanced health care directive, also known as a living will, is a legal document in which a person lists the specifics of medical care and comfort actions desired should the individual no longer be able to make decisions as a result of illness or incapacity.
The living will may list certain things, such as whether life support is desired or if pain medication should be administered.
A living will should not be confused with a traditional will, which is a legal document that explains wishes for financial and personal assets after a person dies. Living wills also differ from living trusts, which address how assets will be managed if a person becomes incapacitated.
A living will is not always a necessity if a person does not have strong feelings about decisions made on his or her behalf
while not cognizant. However, for those who do want to have a say in their care, a living will is the best method for ensuring that their choices will be carried out.
The following are some other questions people should ask themselves concerning living wills.
• Do I want to remove the burden of tough choices from my loved ones? A living will relieves grieving loved ones of the responsibility of making challenging decisions regarding invoking lifesaving procedures or not, particularly if they’re not sure what you desire.
• Do I have firm feelings about lifesaving methods? A living will allows you to spell out preferences on insertion of feeding tubes, if you want specialized hydration, if you want to be hooked up to life support if brain function is minimal and a host of other scenarios.
• Is cost preventing me from drafting a living will? Cost need not be a factor in setting up a living will. You can download a free template from any number of online legal sources. Local hospitals often have forms as well, which can be notarized for
SEE WILL, PAGE 14
During the prime of their lives, people typically don’t give much thought to scenarios in which they become ill or are facing the end of life. Conversations about sickness and mortality are not easy ones to have, but it is important for everyone to approach these heavy topics with close family members so that individuals can rest easy, knowing their needs will be met if or when their health falters.
Many people are familiar with a power of attorney, which is often divided into two areas: health care and financial decisions, said Steven McClelland, a certified elder- law attorney with McClelland Law Firm PA.
“[A power of attorney] allows a trusted individual (usually a son or daughter)
to make decisions for a loved one when they are unable to do so themselves. Examples include paying bills, selling assets and talking with medical providers,” McClelland said. “A living will is often an end-of-life declaration.”
A living will is also known as an advanced health care directive. It is a legal document in which a person lists the specifics of medical care and comfort actions desired should the individual no longer be able to make decisions as a result of illness or incapacity.
“Most individuals want to know that they will not be in a vegetative state for a long period and that they will pass with as little pain as possible,” McClelland said.