Living Will and Healthcare Surrogate

Why You Should Have a Living Will and Healthcare Surrogate

Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to healthcare decisions. A living will and healthcare surrogate are vital documents that ensure your wishes are respected if you become unable to communicate them yourself.

A living will outlines your preferences for medical treatment in specific situations, such as when you are terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state. It allows you to specify whether you want life-sustaining treatment or if you'd prefer comfort care. Having a living will provides peace of mind, knowing that your medical decisions will align with your values, even if you’re unable to voice them at the time.

A healthcare surrogate (or proxy) is someone you appoint to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. This person, trusted to understand your wishes, steps in to ensure that decisions are made in your best interest. Having a healthcare surrogate is essential because it can prevent confusion and disputes among family members about what you would have wanted.

Together, these documents help ensure that you receive the medical care you want, protect your family from making difficult decisions, and provide clarity in critical times. Consulting with an attorney to create a living will and healthcare surrogate can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that your healthcare choices are in good hands.