In light of the Schiavo drama..

**jaybird** · 03-22-2005, 07:48 AM

For those of you so inclined.

I've had a living will for probably 25 year now. I fill it out and redate it every 5 years (of sound mind and body sort of thing I suppose) so that there will be no discussion of how 'old' the will is and whether or not my mind had changed from my original thoughts and feelings.

Without getting into the politics or religious aspect of this case, the Schiavo drama should make it clear to everyone what sort of horror & grief a family goes though in these situations. For years and years. It is JUST as important to have this if you WANT to be sustained on life/nutrition support.

I have some very explicit things in my will, it's signed, notorized and there are 4 copies. One in our lockbox here, one at each of my childrens' homes, one with my sister. Along with guidelines for any sort of memorial afterwards and organ donation.

Free, simple, quick, important. DO IT.

http://www.peopleslawyer.net/willform.html

**Advertisement** · 03-22-2005 07:48 AM

**mrssnoop1** · 03-22-2005, 08:34 AM

My mother is in a nursing home and I contacted her lawyer this morning. She has a power-of-attorney for health care and a durable power of attorney. I am named as the person that would make the choices and then my sister if I can't do it. She has dementia and sometimes she doesn't think right if she is real sick. About a month ago she was in the hospital and they were asking her questions. She couldn't answer them so I was. Then they said, "she has to answer this one herself". The question was what if she was found unreponsive. Shoud they do life support? She said no. They said then that means they shoouldn't use anything? She said no. I spoke up and said no that wasn't what she meant. I know she would want the paddles. I knoiw she would want to be kept comfortable. I know if she can't vreathe on her own she does not want to be hooked up to a machine. Then Mom said, "your right, that's what I want". The nurse gave me a dirty look for answering, but I'm her daughter, not going to be quiet!!! So the lawyer told me to make copies of both things and even though the hospital has them, to always keep a copy in my purse so if they give me any trouble I can produce them to show I have the right to answer the questions. He also gave me his home phone number if I need him.

**jaybird** · 03-22-2005, 08:49 AM

That is exactly why this sort of document is so important.

It's a huge burden (and an unnecessary one) to place the decision on a family member. It's just wrong, because at the most critical times, we tend to think with our hearts instead of our heads.

My family knows precisely what I want. Down to the Queensryche song (Silent Lucidity) at the wake (if they have one) And if they do not follow my wishes, I'll haunt them for the rest of their lives.

***buttrfli*** · 03-22-2005, 09:53 AM

be sure to check the laws in your state. This one is for texas, but I am sure that many state are similar... just be sure to dbl check!

**schsa** · 03-22-2005, 09:59 AM

I have one. I gave a copy to each of my sisters and my mother. There is also a copy with my primary care physician. So there should be no doubt as to what I want. And the decisions that they need to make.

**nightrider127** · 03-22-2005, 10:19 AM

We have had one for years. Not only that, a lot of our family and friends know just eactly what we want. We have extra copies also.

**jaybird** · 03-22-2005, 10:37 AM

State specific:

http://www.uslegalforms.com/living-will-forms.htm

http://www.ilrg.com/forms/#healthcare

**janelle** · 03-22-2005, 10:56 AM

We did this for my mother. Took her to the lawyer when she could answer for herself. My sister told her what the questions meant and she said what she would want. That was years ago when her dementia wasn't as bad. Luckily we had good advice when we started taking care of her. She has a living will signed, dated and notorized.

I have it and my medical power of attorney to make decisions for her health care. This is the main reason I put her into a carehome when she had her last mini strokes and lost the total use of her right side. She can still use it but it has become weak and she can't use her right hand anymore.

I was afraid if I found her not breathing I would call 911 and tear up the DO NOT RESUSITATE. I would be emotional and not do the right thing. Then the paramedics have to revive her. Jump on her chest to bring her back. If she was brought back she would probably be on machines and then the family would have to decide to have the machine removed. Very hard decision for anyone.

But my hubby and I do not have one. Most people do not start to think about this until they are very old and in bad health. I'm not sure if people think about it when they are young and healthy. It would take something like this case to start people thinking about it.

**nanajoanie** · 03-22-2005, 01:21 PM

Mur and Valinda are my power of attorney and executor. I even have their signatures on my checking and savings accounts. Otherwise they would probably have to go thru probate to get my money for final expenses. My will already states who gets what as for heirlooms and stuff. All 3 kids are fully aware of what is in my will.

Thread: In light of the Schiavo drama..

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