Communicating Your Wishes When You Cannot
Medical decisions are very personal. However, there may come a time when you are unable to communicate your wishes regarding critical health care choices. In such cases, a family member or health care professional may be asked to make such decisions on your behalf. A living will can help you address this issue with clarity, to ensure your wishes are carried out.
I am attorney James S. Vergotz. Working with individuals and families across western Pennsylvania for nearly four decades, I stress the importance of planning for the unknown. A living will allows you to legally document what medical treatment you would and would not like to receive during either a terminal illness or state of permanent unconsciousness.
The Two-Part Approach Of Living Wills In Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, living wills are two-fold, with one part containing medical directions and the other appointing an agent to carry out your directions. Sometimes referred to as a health care directive, this allows you to plan for the unknown by expressing your desires and preferences regarding end-of-life treatment. Such preferences could include:
- When you would like treatment withheld
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Requests for specific treatment options or medical techniques
- Your desire for in-home or hospice care
- Your wishes for cremation or burial
With the presence of a living will or health care directive within your estate plan, health care providers are bound to comply with your directions. Such directions or preferences will not take place until an individual is either terminally ill or in a permanent vegetative state.
Take The Burden Off Your Loved Ones
Living wills appoint a designated individual to carry out your decisions and preferences. This individual has the authority to make health care decisions on your behalf, using the instructions in your living will. This prevents tasking your loved ones with the enormous responsibility of guessing your intentions and making challenging decisions for you during an emotional time.
Taking the time now to address this uncomfortable topic can save your family hours of grief and uncertainty later. Even if you suspect they know what you would want in these scenarios, there’s comfort in having clear instructions.
Contact A Lawyer To Address These Important Decisions
I understand how difficult a living will can be to consider. However, simply verbally communicating your wishes for end-of-life treatment is often not enough. I can assist in drafting a living will that clearly communicates your preferences, avoids room for interpretation and complies with HIPAA rules.
Contact my Pittsburgh office to learn more about creating a living will. Call me at 412-366-0510 or contact me online. I can offer weekend appointments or home visits for those in need of more flexible scheduling.
