Essential Information on Drafting a Living Will
Sure thing, let's dive into creating a living will in Washington State, a straightforward guide to help you articulate your end-of-life healthcare decisions.
Living Will 101: What's the Deal?
In the realm of end-of-life care, terms like "living will," "advanced healthcare directives," and "directive to physicians" are bandied about. But fear not! In Washington they all point towards the same thing: a legal document outlining your medical treatment preferences, particularly when you're unable to communicate these wishes.
In this state, the official terminology for this document is the Health Care Directive; you could discuss it with a lawyer or leverage free, online tools to draft it yourself. It's important to understand, however, that a living will differs from a physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST), a document intended for individuals with serious health conditions.
What's Inside the Box?
In Washington, a living will addresses treatments you'd like to receive if you're terminally ill or permanently unconscious, a state where recovery of consciousness is highly unlikely. This document covers various treatments, including artificial nutrition, hydration, resuscitation, surgery, dialysis, transfusion, medication and pain management, among others.
However, the jargon used in the document may seem like medical gobbledygook, and determining your preferences can be challenging, as your diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical situation play a significant role. For instance, opting out of artificial nutrition and hydration may not mean a complete denial of sustenance, as doctors will never withhold food and water. Instead, these terms typically focus on tube feeding or IV feeding, which can vary in effectiveness and usefulness depending on your condition.
Key Actions and Considerations
Assign a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
According to medical professionals, the most crucial step is choosing a durable power of attorney for healthcare, or a healthcare agent. This individual, who must be 18 or older, will make healthcare decisions on your behalf when necessary and advocate for your wishes in high-stress, medically complex situations. If you don't have a healthcare agent, the default choice depends on your family structure: parents, spouse, siblings, and so on. Even so, communication is vital: discuss your preferences with your healthcare agent to prevent future misunderstandings among family members.
Consider Your Healthcare Values
Before diving into the document, take some time to contemplate your healthcare values. A healthcare values form can help you define your beliefs and preferences regarding various end-of-life care scenarios. When creating your form, think about statements like "I don't want to feel like I'm choking, so please do what you can to alleviate that stress," or "I want to spend my final days at home." Remember that these values may change over time, and the form provides a starting point for communication with your healthcare agent and medical team.
Communicate Your Wishes
Once you've reflected on your values, share this information with your healthcare agent. While discussing serious topics can feel uncomfortable, numerous resources are available to make the conversation smoother, such as the "death over dinner" movement or end-of-life care card decks. The ultimate goal is to convey what matters most to you.
After understanding your wishes, you may decide to complete a living will or simply have a healthcare agent designated.
There you have it - a breakdown of the essential elements to consider when embarking on your living will journey. By addressing these issues, you can ensure that your preferences are taken into account when treatment decisions must be made on your behalf. Embrace the conversation and preserve your peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones.
In the discussion of healthcare values, it's crucial to consider decisions about nutrition alongside other treatments. For instance, you might want to express your preferences for water and food or physician-administered nutrients, particularly in situations where recovery is unlikely.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and relationships, open communication about end-of-life care – facilitated by resources like death over dinner or end-of-life care card decks – can foster understanding and respect for each other's values, helping to maintain harmony even during challenging conversations.
