Related Topics ► Other TopicsWills and DNRs
Currently, a diagnosis of mesothelioma means that your illness is terminal, as very few people have ever survived mesothelioma. While there are ways to prolong life and improve the quality of life while dealing with the illness, mesothelioma is presently incurable. For many people, this means dealing with end-of-life matters before they had expected to think about such concerns. While it may not be pleasant to consider making your will, drawing up a living will, assigning power of attorney, or writing directives of how you want your care managed if you are unable to make decisions for yourself, will ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event that you can no longer speak for yourself.
Many people feel uncomfortable with these matters. For some, these concerns are very personal and private, but if you are not sure that you can deal with the decisions on your own, you can ask a friend or relative to help you find a good mesothelioma lawyer.
What is an "Advance Directive"?
Advance directives are the name given to legal documents that allow you to let your family and care providers know about your wishes regarding end-of-life care ahead of time. They include living wills, durable powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directives.
Do I Have to Make These Decisions Now? What if I Change My Mind?
It can be difficult to make decisions about end of life care even when you are well. When you are seriously ill, the entire process can seem overwhelming. Avoiding the decisions until you are incapable of making them will place the burden of guessing what you would have wanted on your family and loved ones. Providing them with an advance directive such as a living will or DNR order will relieve them of the burden of making those decisions for you.
Ideally, writing advance directives should not be a one-time event. There is always the possibility that you may change your mind or that circumstances may change. Signing a DNR order does not lock you into that decision forever. If something changes, you can rewrite or change it if needed.
Why Should I Write a Will?
A last will and testament is a legal document that instructs surviving relatives how your personal effects and wealth are to be distributed. If you die without a will (intestate), your family will have to go through probate to settle your estate, and there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you wish. An attorney can help you draw up a will that is legally binding to make the process easier on your family after your death.
What is a Living Will?
A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical care in the event that you are unable to communicate. Sometimes known as a "health care directive" or an "advance declaration," a living will allows you to make advance decisions about which medical care you will accept or decline, including a respirator, artificial feeding, and other medical procedures designed to sustain life.
How is a Living Will Different from a DNR?
A DNR order is a legal document signed by a licensed physician at your request or at the request of your legal representative. It instructs doctors that you do not wish them to attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It is best to discuss this option with your family and loved ones so they understand how important this is to you, but the doctors are bound by law to follow a DNR.
What Does a Medical Power of Attorney Do?
Some people prefer to put the decisions about their health care into the hands of someone they trust. A medical power of attorney is a legal document naming a particular person as the one who is legally entitled to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them for yourself. A medical power of attorney should always be drawn up with the assistance of a lawyer to be certain that it is enforceable.
Is There Anything I Should Know About Advance Directives & Wills?
Keep in mind you can always change your mind about any medical directive. If your circumstances change, you can call your attorney and have your will, living will, power of attorney, DNR, or any other document directing your medical care modified. In addition, be certain that members of your family know these documents exist and are easily accessible to them in case of emergency.
Sources:
- http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_3_2x_Introduction_Advance_Directives.asp?sitearea=MIT
- http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_3_2X_Frequently_Asked_Questions.asp?sitearea=MIT
- http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_3_2X_Types_of_Advance_Directives.asp?sitearea=MIT
- http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/advance-directives
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