End-of-Life Medical Treatment: Your Living Will and Other Advance Directives

There is nothing easy about end-of-life medical treatment, but you can take steps to make sure your family is spared from having to make a complicated decision regarding your health and well-being. By using advance directives to make your wishes known to your family and physicians, you can ensure that you get the treatment you want.

What are advance directives, and how do they work in terms of end-of-life medical treatment?

Advance directives are legal documents that describe the type of medical treatment you want when you are unable to make decisions or communicate your wishes. The two types of documents are a living will and a durable power of attorney.

Living will: takes effect when you are terminally ill and unable to express your wishes about your care. It documents the type of treatment you want, but it does not let you designate someone to make decisions for you.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: identifies the person you wish to make health care decisions for you. It becomes active any time you are unconscious or unable to make medical decisions.

Making decisions about your end-of-life medical treatment can guide your loved ones and doctors in situations when you are unable to communicate your wishes. Even if you are in good health, you should consider writing a living will or durable power of attorney. Accidents and serious illnesses can happen suddenly, so you want to make sure you are prepared.

You can change or cancel these documents at any time, as long as you are considered of sound mind at the time you do so. You want to make sure your doctor and any necessary family members are aware of changes you make. In addition, all changes must be made and executed according to the laws in your state.

Your Legal Plan Can Help

If you are unsure how to navigate these laws, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer. Many companies offer unique employee benefits that provide access to legal assistance through group legal plans. You can meet with an attorney who understands the process behind creating a living will and durable power of attorney, allowing you to formulate your wishes effectively.

• If your employer offers a Hyatt legal plan, click here to learn more about coverage available when you enroll. (Your employer can provide the password needed to access this site.) If you are unsure whether your employer offers a Hyatt legal plan, please contact your benefits or HR department to find out.

• If you are a legal plan member, access your plan to review coverage.

• You may also call the Client Service Center at 800-821-6400 for more information on covered services.

Please note: Some matters, including employment-related matters, are excluded. View terms of service.

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This article is intended to provide you with general information. This article is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice. If you require legal advice, please consult with your own attorney.