Beyond Bending Tell You How
As we age, it’s important to think about the future and what will happen in case of a medical emergency. One way to ensure that our wishes are respected is by creating a living will. In Washington State, there are specific steps you need to take to create a legal living will. Here’s how.
Step 1: Understand What a Living Will Is
A living will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in case you become incapacitated or unable to communicate. It specifies what kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want, such as life-sustaining treatments or pain management. It also designates a healthcare agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself.
Step 2: Choose a Healthcare Agent
Choosing a healthcare agent is an important decision. This person will be responsible for making medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t do so yourself. Make sure you choose someone you trust, who knows your wishes, and who is willing to take on the responsibility. You can choose a family member, a friend, or a professional, such as a lawyer or a doctor.
Step 3: Discuss Your Wishes with Your Healthcare Agent
Once you’ve chosen your healthcare agent, it’s important to discuss your wishes with them. Talk about what kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want, and make sure they understand your values and beliefs. This will help them make informed decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to communicate.
Step 4: Complete the Living Will Form
Washington State provides a form for creating a living will. You can download the form from the Washington State Department of Health website or get it from your healthcare provider. The form includes instructions on how to fill it out and what to include. You must sign the form in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign it.
Step 5: Keep Your Living Will Safe and Accessible
Once you’ve completed your living will, make sure you keep it in a safe and accessible place. Give a copy to your healthcare agent, your doctor, and any family members who might need it. You should also carry a card in your wallet or purse that indicates you have a living will and where it can be found.
Step 6: Review and Update Your Living Will Regularly
It’s important to review and update your living will regularly. Your wishes or circumstances might change over time, so make sure your living will reflects your current wishes. Review it every year or whenever there’s a major change in your health or personal circumstances.
People also ask:
Q: Can I create a living will without a lawyer?
A: Yes, you can create a living will without a lawyer. Washington State provides a form that you can use to create a legal living will.
Q: How much does it cost to create a living will?
A: The cost of creating a living will varies depending on the method you choose. You can create a living will yourself using a form provided by the state for free. If you hire a lawyer, the cost will depend on their fees.
Q: Can I change my living will?
A: Yes, you can change your living will at any time. Simply complete a new form and destroy the old one.
