Living Will: Why Seniors Should Plan for the Future

Written By: Conservatory at Champion Forest

According to an article from AARP Research, about 93% of Americans over 50 say that it's important to have a legal will, but only 51% actually have one.

People put off creating a living will for various reasons, but it's not something you should neglect. No one knows what the future holds, and it's better to take care of end-of-life planning sooner rather than later.

The laws surrounding living wills can vary by state. Conservatory At Champion is located in the sunny Spring, Texas, in a rebound wooded area, so if you already live nearby, make sure you understand the rules for living wills in this area.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is a Living Will?

Living wills (also known as advance directives) are legal documents that specify the type of medical care you would or wouldn't want to receive if you become incapacitated. Traditional wills cover asset distribution after death, but living wills focus on your medical decision-making if you're still alive but unable to make clear decisions.

Some typical examples that a living will might cover include:

Your preferences regarding pain management and palliative care
Whether you want life-sustaining treatments if you're terminal or in a vegetative state
Your wishes regarding organ donation
Your wishes regarding donating your body to science

These senior legal documents ensure your decisions are respected and followed and prevent your loved ones from having to make these decisions for you.

Why Seniors Should Have a Living Will

Making sure your future is secure is vital. There are several reasons to create a living will as soon as you get the chance.

Control Over Healthcare

A living will gives you control over your future medical care. If you don't have one, these decisions will fall to your family, doctors, and possibly even the courts.

The decisions they make might not align with what you would want. You can specify your wishes in a living will to ensure your values and wishes are respected.

Reduced Stress for Loved Ones

Making healthcare decisions for someone else can be incredibly difficult. Without a living will, your relatives could face some tough choices that put a lot of pressure on them.

Things can become worse if you have multiple relatives who aren't in agreement. There can be conflict and stress which you could help prevent. A living will can spare your loved ones from the emotional toll of this decision-making.

Avoid Unwanted Medical Interventions

Modern medicine offers a huge range of life-sustaining treatments. However, they don't always align with people's quality-of-life goals. For example, some people would want to avoid aggressive treatments if they don't have a good chance of regaining a meaningful quality of life.

You have control over this with a living will. You can make the decision in advance to ensure your treatment is in line with your wishes.

Ensure Your Wishes Are Legally Binding

While discussing your healthcare preferences with family members is important, these conversations are not legally binding. A living will, on the other hand, is a legal document that healthcare providers must follow. This ensures that your wishes are respected, even if someone else disagrees with them.

Prepare for the Unexpected

No one likes to think about the possibility of a sudden illness or accident, but the reality is that these events can happen at any time. Having a living will in place ensures that you're prepared for the unexpected, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.

How to Create a Living Will

It's fairly easy to create a living will. However, you should put some careful thought into it.

Consider Your Values and Wishes

The first thing you should do is think about your healthcare preferences. Consider what "quality of life" really means to you and specify any medical treatments that you wouldn't want under any circumstances.

Consult With a Legal Professional

You can find templates and other resources online, but you should still work with a professional. An estate planning attorney can help ensure your living will is compliant and covers everything it should.

Choose a Healthcare Proxy

In addition to a living will, you may want to designate a healthcare proxy (also known as a healthcare power of attorney). This is a trusted person who can make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Your proxy should be someone who understands your values and is willing to advocate for your wishes.

Put It in Writing

Once you've made your decisions, put them in writing. Your living will should be clear, specific, and signed in the presence of witnesses or a notary public, depending on your state's requirements.

Share Your Living Will

Once you've completed your living will, make copies of it. Share these with your:

Healthcare proxy
Family members
Primary care physician

If you have just one copy and it gets lost, you'll need to start again.

The Role of Conservatory at Champion Forest

At Conservatory at Champion Forest, we understand the importance of planning for the future. Our community is dedicated to helping seniors live fulfilling, worry-free lives.

Our experienced staff can help you with everyday tasks and may even be able to offer guidance when it comes to planning for your future. Whether you need assistance with creating a living will or simply want to learn more about your options, our team is here to help.

We offer a vibrant, supportive environment where seniors can enjoy their golden years to the fullest. From engaging activities to compassionate care, we strive to create a community where every resident feels valued and empowered.

You can engage with other residents and discuss your plans for the future. This may help you make important decisions based on the insights of others in similar situations.

Living a Happy, Healthy Life

You should always be looking to the future, and a living will is a key part of this. Everyone wants to enjoy their senior years, and Conservatory at Champion Forest is here to help with this.

We pride ourselves as one of the best senior living communities in Spring, Texas. We offer a range of amenities such as high-quality dining, a senior-equipped fitness center, a heated outdoor swimming pool, in-house massage therapy, and more.

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