Caregivers Advice

Living Wills - What Every Caregiver Should Know
By Maria Sandella

An advanced care directive, commonly known as a living will is something everyone should
have. It is a legal document that states specific directives regarding medical treatments that
must be followed by caregivers or the person appointed power of attorney for healthcare
decisions if you are unable to give informed consent. A living will ensures that your wishes are
carried out.

What Does a Living Will Cover?

There are some people that think this type of will is used only to direct health care providers to
withhold necessary medical treatment. While many do use one for this type of instruction, it is
also a way for a person to ask for all available medical techniques and treatments should they
want them. These wills are complicated because they deal with medical issues so it is always
a good idea to consult with your doctor so he can clarify any treatments or techniques you are
unsure of.

One thing to keep in mind is the will's legality does not take effect until the patient has been
medically determined to be terminally ill or is in a permanent vegetative state, unable to
communicate medical wishes.

The Difference between a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney

Some functions of a living will can be performed by a durable power of attorney. The document
gives the attorney legal power to make any healthcare decision for a person who is unable to
make those decisions for themselves, in some cases it also allows the durable power of
attorney to use his/her own judgment. Unlike a living will, a durable power of attorney does not
depend on a vegetative state or terminal illness in order to be used. A good example of
someone who would be incapable of making their own sound medical decisions is someone
with Alzheimer's.

If you choose not to have a will or appoint a durable power of attorney your family members may
end up fighting and arguing over what treatment you should or should not be receiving. Even
though a doctor will consult with your family they still may be split in the decision making. Since
doctors only consult with family members, if you are unmarried the will and durable power of
attorney will enable them to have a say in your health care decisions.

An Attorney-In-Fact

An Attorney-in-Fact is the person you assign power of attorney. Whomever you chose as the
proxy for healthcare decisions or attorney-in-fact needs to be someone you trust and is
comfortable talking about medical issues. An assertive and diplomatic individual is the
preferred choice because you are choosing someone to be your advocacy. They may need to
argue with the doctors and even your family members, and in some cases, go to court and fight
on your behalf. You need someone who is aware of the choices your have made and will
support any and all instructions you have laid out.

More people are choosing to have a living will as it takes the pressure off family members
when it comes to making important medical decisions. Medical decisions should never be
made with your emotions, but unfortunately it happens too often. This is why a living will is a
very important document to have.

Maria Sandella was the primary caregiver for her grandmother for 2 years until her passing.
She also worked summers in a long-term care facility while attending college. She now works
as an Application Specialist for IntercomsOnline.com, which provides wireless intercom
systems that caregivers use for communications with the elderly and disabled. For more
information about a caregiver intercom go to http://IntercomsOnline.com

Also read their article titled: Wireless Intercom System for Elderly or Disabled

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