What are the benefits of a living will?
A living will is an important document that allows a person to plan for their future medical care if they become disabled and can no longer make decisions for themselves. In Washington, a living will is legally binding, making it an invaluable tool in disability planning and end-of-life planning. The primary benefit of a living will is that it allows a person to make their preferences for care known to their family and medical professionals before they become unable to do so, thus ensuring that their wishes are respected and followed. This can be especially important when the person has strong convictions about their care, such as preferring to avoid life-sustaining treatments. Living wills also provide a degree of financial protection for loved ones, who could otherwise be held responsible for making care decisions without knowing what the person would have preferred. Without a living will, these financial and emotional burdens may be placed on family members or friends. A living will also allows a person to appoint someone whom they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This person, known as a health care power of attorney, can be relied upon to make decisions that the person would have wanted and that they would have made while they were able. Overall, living wills are a vital tool for disability planning in Washington and can provide peace of mind to those who value autonomy and self-determination. Through a living will, individuals can ensure that their wishes and beliefs are respected, even in the face of disability.
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