As medical technology continues to advance, our ability to extend life in situations where recovery is unlikely has increased. Consequently, this presents the difficult question of whether we want to be sustained by artificial means if we become incapacitated. In order to address this ethical challenge, Tennessee enacted the Right to Natural Death Act in 2004. Furthermore, this act allows individuals to create a document specifying their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments and organ donation. At Bluff City Estate Planning, our attorneys recognize the importance of including a Living Will as a crucial component of a comprehensive estate plan. Therefore, a Living Will is a legal document outlining two essential end-of-life choices:
- Your preference for receiving life-sustaining treatments if doctors determine that you have no meaningful chance of survival; and
- Your decision to become an organ donor.
Living Wills are crucial because they address sensitive end-of-life preferences.
Reasons to Establish a Living Will
A Living Will is necessary for individuals of all ages, as unexpected tragedies can occur at any time. If an incident leaves you unable to make healthcare decisions, a Living Will ensures that medical professionals respect your wishes.
For example, Tom has always expressed to his family that he did not want to be artificially kept alive if he were terminally ill or incapacitated. Unfortunately, Tom experiences a sudden stroke that leaves him in a persistent vegetative state. Despite the doctor’s advice and his wishes, his daughter, overwhelmed by the situation, decides to keep him on life support. However, if Tom had a Living Will, his desires would take precedence over his daughter’s emotionally driven decision.
Another reason to have a Living Will is to relieve your loved ones of the responsibility of making painful decisions during a time of profound grief. By establishing a Living Will, you can spare your family the distress of determining whether to discontinue life-sustaining treatments for a loved one.
Discussing Your Preferences with Loved Ones
Open communication with family members is vital when creating a Living Will. This can help prevent confusion and disagreements during an already challenging time. Discuss your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments and organ donation with your loved ones, ensuring they understand your choices and the reasons behind them. This conversation can provide comfort and clarity to your family, knowing they are honoring your wishes.
The Role of Bluff City Estate Planning in Crafting Living Wills
Our experienced living will attorneys at Bluff City Estate Planning can provide you with peace of mind by legally documenting your end-of-life preferences. These documents will ensure medical professionals respect your wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of creating a Living Will tailored to your needs.
Let Bluff City Estate Planning help you navigate the complexities of estate planning to ensure that your end-of-life preferences and legacy are secure. We are dedicated to compassionately and comprehensively providing legal services to protect your wishes and your loved ones’ well-being. If you would like to learn more about medical decisions in estate planning, you might like reading our Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare article. We also have an article about Medicaid Planning if you would like to look at strategies for end of life care.