Living Will: Why Seniors Should Plan for the Future

A report from AARP Research tells us that only about 51% of Americans over the age of 50 currently have a legal document stating how they want their assets to be distributed after they die.

Despite that, traditional wills are fairly well understood. Something that many people aren't clued up on, however, are living wills. These documents are crucial when planning for your future.

Different states can have specific laws regarding living wills. Aston Gardens At Parkland Commons is situated in Parkland, FL, so if you're a resident, you should understand what laws apply.

In this guide, we'll explain the importance of having a living will so you can get a better idea of the position you should be in. Let's get started.

What Is a Living Will?

Living wills (sometimes called advance directives) are senior legal documents in which you can state the type of medical care you would (or would not) like to receive if you become incapacitated. They describe your medical decision-making and can help inform others of your wishes if you're unable to do so yourself.

Some common examples of what a living will might cover include your preferences/wishes regarding:

• Life-sustaining treatments if you're terminal or in a vegetative state
• Pain management and palliative care
• Organ donation
• Donating your body to science

With a living will, you can ensure your wishes are followed, and others won't need to make these decisions on your behalf.

Why You Should Have a Living Will

Even if you can't see any serious medical issues in your future, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so it's always good to be prepared.

Control Over Healthcare

A living will allow you to control your future medical care. Without one, someone else may need to make some serious decisions on your behalf, such as:

• Relatives
• Doctors
• Courts

What they choose might not align with your wishes. You can clearly state your preferences in a living will to ensure you get the treatment you want.

Make Things Easier for Loved Ones

Creating a living will can take a lot of pressure off of your loved ones. They might not be comfortable making significant medical decisions for you.

This can be even more of an issue if you have different relatives with different ideas about what would be best. With a living will, they won't have to worry about making these calls and can have the peace of mind of knowing that the decision is yours.

Avoid Unwanted Medical Interventions

These days, there are all kinds of medical treatments available, and you might be okay with some but not others. Many would prefer to avoid aggressive treatments if they don't have a good chance of recovery, for example. You can use your living will to make these wishes clear.

Ensure Your Wishes Are Legally Binding

You can discuss your healthcare wishes with relatives and healthcare professionals, but it's important to remember that such conversations aren't legally binding. A living will is essential for making sure your wishes are secured. Even if others may not agree with them, your living will is legally binding, and healthcare providers must follow them.

Prepare for the Unexpected

You never know what the future will hold. A living will helps to prepare you for the unexpected, making things easier for your loved ones and giving them peace of mind.

How to Create a Living Will

The process of creating a living will is relatively straightforward. However, before you do, there are some key considerations to make.

Determine Your Wishes

It's essential to determine what you want. Think about what "quality of life" means to you and give details on any treatments you want to avoid.

Consult With a Legal Professional

Now that you know your wishes, you need to make them clear. All legal documents can be complicated, so working with a qualified professional is the best approach. An estate planning attorney can help ensure your living will covers everything and is fully compliant.

Choose a Healthcare Proxy

It's best to nominate a healthcare proxy (also known as a healthcare power of attorney) alongside your living will. This is someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you. They should understand your wishes and values well.

Put It in Writing

If you've made all your decisions, you then need to put them in writing. Your living will should contain clear and detailed information. Make sure it's signed in the presence of witnesses or a notary public (depending on your state's requirements) to ensure it's valid.

Share It

Make copies of your completed living will and share them with your:

• Relatives
• Healthcare proxy
• Primary care physician

If you only have one copy and you lose it, you'll have to start from the beginning.

The Role of Aston Gardens At Parkland Commons

At Aston Gardens At Parkland Commons, we work to help seniors live a happy, healthy life. Planning for the future is a key part of this.

Our dedicated staff can help you with an array of tasks. When it comes to your living will, you may just need someone to talk to so you can figure out what you want it to cover. All of our carers are compassionate and caring, and we will do whatever we can to help you with your living will or anything else.

On top of that, we can provide you with a warm, welcoming environment that's perfect for seniors. We have various housing and living options to cater to all needs.

Additionally, our community offers a range of activities and amenities that you can use at your leisure. You can meet other residents and form new friendships with like-minded individuals.

The Future You Want

No one likes end-of-life planning, but it's always good to be prepared. A living will covers your healthcare plans, and finding the right senior living community will help ensure you live out your golden years somewhere you enjoy.

At Aston Gardens At Parkland Commons, we work to maintain the highest standard of care. Our carefully curated community is ideal for people with all different needs, and our commitment to the health and well-being of our residents is unparalleled.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community.