No matter how healthy and happy you feel, you can benefit from a living will. A living will is not quite what it sounds like. It is a document that gives instructions to doctors if you are unable to communicate your health care wishes. It is much better to be prepared with a living will than to be without one when you are in need.
Living wills clearly state your health care wishes
Most assume that only sick or elderly people need living wills but this is not the case. People of every age and fitness level could benefit from one. Take for example if you are in a car accident. You might fall into a coma. You will be unable to explain your care requests to the doctor, relying on your loved ones to communicate for you.
Relying on family members to decide your health care wishes can become complicated and messy. It is not uncommon for families to argue over what is best. This will cause your family anguish in an already tough time. The outcome might not even be what you originally wanted.
Living wills can cover many kinds of treatment options
If you have never had a serious discussion about the topic of a health care directive then you might not get the care that you want. A living will can be your voice when you are silent. The document can explain the following to doctors and family members:
- Treatment options
- How to handle your pain or suffering
- Instructions for long-term comas
- Resuscitation instructions
- If you want to donate organs
If you are interested in setting up a living will then speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. An attorney can help make sure that your living will is legally binding and falls into the right hands. Living wills can be taken overseas with you to Greece but they will not necessarily be legally binding. They can still provide guidance for doctors if you are in an accident. This is why it is important to have an attorney who can provide both an English and Greek version of your living will.
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