$Unique_ID{BRK02450}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Is A Living Will?}
$Subject{living will future medical care end wishes dying right to die age
aged aging old elderly geriatric geriatrics death lifestyle lifestyles wills
euthanasia}
$Volume{Q-23}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is A Living Will?


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QUESTION:  Though it is difficult to think about, recent experiences have
brought me to the point where I know some decision must be made about my
future medical care.  Do you know anything about a paper called a "Living
Will"?  What does it consist of, and what does it mean?  Could you please
provide me with a sample, so that I can understand it better?

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ANSWER:  I can sympathize with you.  Thinking about serious illness and death
is not pleasant, especially when it is our own fate we are considering, but it
is a necessary task, best undertaken while we possess all our faculties and
reasoning ability.  It gives the patient a say about the amount and extent of
medical care to be administered when the end is near.  Though the advances in
medical technology are amazing and marvelous, they can also be used to keep
people in a coma in a living state beyond the time when they might wish for a
dignified and peaceful end.  The problem is that the patient may not be able
to express their desires at that time, and relatives often are unavailable or
disagree amongst themselves.
     However you can establish your own wishes now, in writing, in a document
known as a Living Will.  It declares your desire for compassion and care, pain
and suffering relief, without undue "heroic" or artificial measures.  And you
may include any special wishes you have, and establish the kind of care you
feel is appropriate.
     Before making such a declaration, you should consider all the options,
discussing the matter with family, physician, and friends.  When you have
worked out all the details, make sure the document is placed in the hands of
the people who will need to know of your wishes.  You might even consider
filing the document with your local hospital, and your attending physician
should have a copy.
     A sample document has been prepared by the Concern for Dying/Society for
the Right to Die, 250 W. 57th Street New York, NY 10107.  You can write to
them for more information and counsel about establishing your own document.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.