We know that Living Wills and Advanced Health Directives are very confusing.  We hope that the information below can help you.

1. What is the difference between a Living Will and an Advanced Health Directive?

A Living Will is a brief declaration that states that a person may make noting their desire that certain medical treatments be either withheld or withdrawn under specific circumstances.  Unfortunately, it is limited to times when death is expected shortly.  It does not cover artificial feeding tubes or IVs.  An Advanced Health Directive is a document that exceeds the limitations of a Living Will.  An Advanced Health Directive allows a person, in advance, to specify what care that they are to recieve should they become incapacitated.  Advanced Health Directives need to be very clear on what a person wants.

2. What is required to make a Living Will or an Advanced Health Directive?

A person needs to 18 years of age.  A person must be competent.  Two witnesses are needed.  The witnesses must be at least 18 years old and should not be related to the person.  Both can be handwritten or typed.  It should be prepared in advance, and not pressured in time.

3. What Should I Do with My Living Will or Advanced Health Directive?

The most important thing about both documents is that they are needed very quickly.  They should be kept close at hand.  DO NOT PLACE THEM IN A SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX.  A good idea is to place them in the same place as your insurance information.  Be sure to give a copy to your doctor so that he can put it in your file.

4. Can a Living Will be Revoked?

Certainly, they can be revoked orally or in writting.  It is best if all copies are destroyed if you wish to revoke them.

5. Do I need a Living Will if I have a Power of Attorney?

Yes,  Power of Attorney documents do not affect your Living Will.  A Living Will can instruct your Power of Attorney as to what your desires are so that they can act in your best interests.  Many Living Wills are combined with Power of Attorney documents.

6. Why Do I Need A Living Will?

There are two reasons for having a Living Will.  (1) You ensure the treatment you recieve is the treatment that you want, no more, no less.  You take the burden of making those difficult decisions away from your family.