How to Create a Living WillWATCH SEGMENT ON KFOR-TV Creating a living will is one of those things most people plan to do, but rarely get around to actually doing. Less than 30 percent of Americans currently have one. But preparing one now gives you say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life, not to mention it can spare your loved ones some very stressful medical care decisions at an emotional time. Here’s how to create one. Advance Directive These two documents are known as an “advance directive,” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions yourself. You can also change or update it whenever you please. Do-It-Yourself One that’s completely free to use is Caring Connections, a resource created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. They provide state-specific advance directive forms with instructions on their website (CaringInfo.org) that you can download and print for free. Or you can call 800-658-8898 and they will mail them to you and answer any questions you may have. Or, for only $5, an even better tool is the Five Wishes living will. Created by Aging with Dignity, a nonprofit advocacy organization, Five Wishes is a simple do-it-yourself document that covers all facets of an advance directive that will help you create a more detailed customized document. To learn more or to receive a copy, visit AgingWithDignity.org or call 888-594-7437. Want Legal Help Do Not Resuscitate Another tool you should know about that will compliment your advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders to be honored by your doctors. To learn more or set one up, see OKpolst.com. Tell Your Family |