Living Wills Can Kill You
Living Wills Have To Be Clear
Much of the problem stems from misinterpretation of typical Living Wills by medical staff. These forms are often one size fits all and often legally driven and therefore do not flow medically. Also, they are often recommended to patients with end stage conditions who have already agreed to only comfort care or hospice interventions. As such, when medical staff see Living Wills they automatically associate it with a reduced level of care. This is what makes a standard Living Will dangerous and it may comprimise your care and safety.
Most people who create Living Wills are unaware of this problem and wish to receive care, unless they are terminal despite reasonable medical interventions, or in a persistent vegetative state.
Living Wills Call For Group Discussion
In most cases at least, Living Wills should be read and interpreted by at least two persons. They can recheck the document and the patient’s history and decide whether to intervene.
Attorneys often help create the problem when writing Living Wills for clients. They should not be doing Living Wills unless there is some sort of interaction with the help of an experienced physician.]]>
