Living Will: How Seniors Can Plan for Future Medical Decisions

92% of people believe it's important to discuss their end-of-life care preferences, yet only 32% have actually done so, according to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. When a serious illness or medical emergency happens, families are often left scrambling to make decisions without knowing what their loved one would have wanted. This uncertainty can lead to unnecessary medical interventions, family conflict, and emotional distress.

A living will eliminates that uncertainty by ensuring your healthcare wishes are documented and honored. More than just a legal form, it's a way to take control of your future and relieve your loved ones of difficult choices.

In this article, you'll learn how to create one and why it's one of the most important senior legal documents you can have.

What Is a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you cannot communicate your wishes. It provides clear instructions to healthcare providers and family members about the treatments you want or do not want in situations where you are incapacitated.

Some people assume a living will is the same as a last will and testament, but they serve entirely different purposes. A last will and testament distributes assets after death, while a living will addresses medical decisions during life. This type of document falls under the category of advance directives, which also includes healthcare power of attorney forms.

Most states have specific requirements for making a living will legally valid. This typically involves signing it in front of witnesses or a notary.

Why a Living Will Is Important for Seniors in Tulsa

A living will ensures that healthcare providers follow your medical preferences. Without one, decisions about life support, pain management, and other treatments might be left to family members who may disagree or struggle with making the right choice.

Making Medical Decision-Making Easier

A medical crisis can happen without warning. If you have a stroke, severe illness, or accident, doctors will need to make quick choices about your care.

A living will guides them on what treatments align with your wishes. It removes the guesswork from medical decision-making to make things easier for loved ones.

Preventing Family Conflict

When a person's wishes aren't documented, family members may struggle to agree on what to do. This can create tension, delay treatment, and cause unnecessary stress.

A legally binding document ensures that your choices, and not someone else's, are followed.

Avoiding Unwanted Medical Interventions

Some seniors prefer comfort-focused care rather than aggressive treatments that might extend life but reduce quality. Others may want all possible medical interventions.

Whatever your choice, a living will allows you to decide ahead of time.

How to Create a Living Will

Creating a living will involves a few simple steps. While some seniors draft one independently, working with a professional can help ensure it meets state requirements. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a living will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses or notarized to be legally binding.

Think About Medical Preferences

Before creating a living will, a person needs to consider their preferences for medical treatment. This includes:

• Resuscitation
• Life support
• Palliative care

Choose a Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney (POA) is a trusted person who can make medical decisions if the senior is unable to communicate. This person should understand the senior's medical preferences and be willing to advocate on their behalf.

Draft the Document

Many states offer standard advance directive forms that include a living will section. You can download these documents online, fill them out, and sign them. However, working with an attorney can help ensure the document is clear and legally valid.

Discuss and Distribute Copies

Once you complete the document, share copies with family members, healthcare providers, and senior living community staff if needed. Storing it in an easily accessible location is also important.

Common Misconceptions About Living Wills

Some people hesitate to create a living will due to misconceptions. Understanding the facts can help seniors make informed decisions.

"A Living Will Means No Treatment"

A living will does not prevent medical treatment. It simply outlines what type of care a person wants. It can include instructions for both receiving and refusing treatment.

"Family Members Can Override It"

A properly executed living will is legally binding. Healthcare providers must follow it, even if family members disagree. The only time it may not be followed is if the document is outdated or unclear.

"Only Terminally Ill People Need One"

A living will is part of end-of-life planning, but it is not just for those with terminal conditions. Any senior who wants control over their medical care should have one. Unexpected illnesses or accidents can happen at any time which makes it important to plan in advance.

Updating and Maintaining a Living Will

A living will is not something you create and forget. It should be reviewed regularly to ensure it still reflects your preferences.

Some key times to update a living will:

• You are diagnosed with a serious illness
• You move to another state with different laws
• You change your mind about treatment preferences
• A person named in your document is no longer available

Store your living will in an easily accessible place, such as a home safe or a file with other senior legal documents. Let key people know where to find it in an emergency.

Peace of Mind Starts with Planning

A living will removes the guesswork from medical decision-making and ensures your voice is heard even if you can't speak for yourself. It's a crucial part of end-of-life planning that eases the burden on loved ones while keeping your healthcare preferences front and center.

At Country Club At Woodland Hills, we understand that planning for the future is just as important as enjoying the present. Our independent living cottages and apartment homes allow you to maintain your independence while benefiting from amenities like chef-prepared dining, a full activities calendar, and 24-hour professional support.

Schedule a tour today and see how we make retirement easier, so you can focus on what truly matters.