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A living will is a legal document that states your preferences for end-of-life care. While most of us automatically assume that a living will is meant for older people or those facing imminent death, this is simply not the case. Any adult, 18 or older, should have a living will in place. Below are three crucial reasons to start creating this key document today.

3 Reasons to Have a Living Will, No Matter What Your Age

1. Make Your Decisions About End-of-Life Care Known

living willDiscussing end-of-life matters is not the easiest subject to talk about, so most people choose to avoid it. This is the most important reason to have a living will: It can state your decisions about end-of-life care clearly, succinctly, and legally. If you should ever be in a situation where you cannot make decisions for yourself, such as being on life support, your loved ones will know how you want to proceed.

2. You Can Include Other Instructions as Appropriate

Many people who create living wills take the opportunity to include other directives regarding their care should they be unable to speak for themselves. For instance, some choose to add a Do Not Resuscitate Order to their living will. This instructs medical personnel to refrain from performing any life-saving interventions that would bring you back if your breathing or heart stops.

3. Save Your Loved Ones Additional Grief

Without a living will, deciding whether or not to take you off life support falls to your next of kin. Obviously, this is not a burden any of us want to place on the shoulders of our loved ones. In this regard, a living will is not just ending your pain, but it is also preventing additional emotional pain and trauma to those you leave behind.

 

Cheryl Beverson, Attorney at Law, is a Middletown, New York, lawyer with more than 20 years of experience helping area residents find the legal solutions they need. Call (845) 341-0008 or visit her law firm's website to schedule a consultation. Start drawing up a living will, and you will be protecting both yourself and your loved ones.

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