Should I Make or Revise My Living Will to Allow for COVID-19 Care?

If you are considering making or revising your living will, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have questions about the implications and necessity of including specific provisions for COVID-19 care. This guide aims to provide clarity on whether it is advisable to update your living will to address COVID-19-related healthcare decisions.

What is a Living Will?

A living will, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment and care in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself. It allows you to specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, end-of-life care, and other medical interventions.

Unique Considerations for Those Making a Will

People who are considering creating or updating their living wills in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may have specific concerns and priorities. Some unique considerations for this group include:

• Desire for Specific COVID-19 Care Instructions: Given the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 treatment and care, individuals may wish to include specific directives regarding their preferences for COVID-19-related medical interventions.
• Concerns About Hospitalization and Ventilator Use: With COVID-19 often leading to severe respiratory issues, individuals may have strong opinions about hospitalization, ventilator use, and other critical care measures.
• Family Communication and Decision-Making: Clear instructions in a living will can alleviate stress for family members who may be required to make medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated loved one.

Nuances by State in Living Will Laws

It is important to note that the laws governing living wills and advance directives vary by state. Some states may have specific requirements for what can be included in a living will, how it should be executed, and who can act as a healthcare proxy. Before making or updating your living will, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional familiar with the laws in your state.

Example Scenarios for COVID-19 Care in a Living Will

To help you assess whether you should make or revise your living will to allow for COVID-19 care, consider the following scenarios:

1. Scenario 1: You are diagnosed with COVID-19 and require hospitalization. Your living will does not currently address specific provisions for infectious diseases or pandemics.

2. Scenario 2: Your state has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases, and you have concerns about the availability of ventilators and other critical care resources.

3. Scenario 3: You have strong beliefs about end-of-life care and wish to ensure that your living will reflects your values and preferences regarding COVID-19 treatment.

In each of these scenarios, updating your living will to include provisions related to COVID-19 care can provide clarity for healthcare providers and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Conclusion

Given the unique considerations and uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 care, revising your living will to address specific provisions for pandemic-related medical decisions may be advisable. Consult with a legal professional to ensure that your living will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with state laws.

For more information on creating or updating legal documents, including living wills, visit Contractable.