Question:
Have you made your wishes known regarding so-called "heroic measures" to be taken (or not) should you become unable to make decisions for yourself?
(Feel free to add other possible answers.)

Choices:
Yes, it's all written down and copies given to all concerned.
Yes, I've told my family, but not written anything down.
Why bother? I'm going to live forever.
No, but I have been meaning to do so.
No, let them fight it out.

 

You betchum Red Ryder.....

Also stated no autopsy, no embalming and immediatly cremation.....

Yes, in Maryland only one document serves both purposes: living will and power of attorney for health care purposes. In my case, since it approaches rapidly, I have also made funeral arrangements; living will through the Veterans Administration, and military funeral for me and burial for wife and myself in Veteran cemetery. I'm good to go!

And how come four votes with only three posting?

I don't think I do, but that's probably because I'm rather young now and my parents just haven't done it. I kind of doubt that they would keep me alive until I die. I'll get one eventuallly so I guess until than I'l just keep being extra careful.

quote:

Originally posted by frankvan:
I'm good to go!

I really like your attitude, Frank.

Yeah, Frank, a lot of people don't post and just vote unfortunetly.

I've told many of the family what I want but still need to fill out a Living Will. Just hope that the family member and the hospital will abide by my wishes; I've already threatened
that if I am put out for a viewing, I'll come back and get everyone responsible.

The Mrs. and I both have living wills.

Mine opts for hydration only. I suffered a heat stroke as a kid and have a fear of dehydration. However, physicians comments regarding a late relative have me re-thinking the entire hydration matter.

Nothing in writing yet, but after watching my dad die a slow death from cancer, I did say no heroic measures. Just let me die in peace. Gotta get it in writing, though.

I have not written it down, but there is no question, I have told everyone around me. And actually, I told my husband to allow his mother to make the decisions. (yes, the mother in law decides if I live or die!)

She is a nurse, and knows what I want. He would want to be kept alive forever on a feeding tube, so I don't trust him to make a decision against it in my case.

I dont want to be kept alive either but nothing in writting yet. Guess my family will make this decission for me too espically since i have doctors in my family..

state-specific living will and power of attorney documents.

Not having filled out either, I feel like a bit of a hypocrite, but a durable power of attorney is even more important than a living will. There are simply too many possibilities to cover them all in a document, so it is important to give someone who understands your wishes the power to make these decisions if you are unable.

Other sites mentioned in a Newsweek article on the subject (I haven't checked them out).

myhealthdirective.com
uslivingwillregistry.com

naela.org for finding a lawyer specializing in the subject if you want one.

careinginfo.org or 800-658-8898 for forms and more info.

abalawinfo.org and midbio.org for detailed tools to help with decision-making.

nrlc.org for more of a "will to live" than a living will.