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Living Wills--A Coping Strategy for Those Who Are Dying and Their Families

Living Wills--A Coping Strategy for Those Who Are Dying and Their Families

Teaser: 

Tracey Tremayne-Lloyd, BA, LL.B,
Tremayne-Lloyd Partners
Toronto, Ontario

More than just the catch-phrase of the day, 'Living Wills' appeared to be the answer for increasing patient control in end-of-life decisions, and a much sought-after solution for an aging population (but one that is increasingly sophisticated about treatment options). The issue of Living Wills was explored in the May/June 1998 edition of Geriatrics and Aging in an article entitled 'Living Wills Ease Patient's Fear' by Lawrence J. Papoff (please see our web site www.geriatricsandaging.com for this article). Recent research has demonstrated that the Living Will is an instrument well-liked by physicians and patients for its capacity to empower patients with independence when facing a life-threatening condition, but it is still surprisingly under-used. It is important for physicians treating geriatric patients to be aware of the extent to which Living Wills can be incorporated into their practice, and to consider their role in educating patients about the issue.

A Living Will is nothing more than a written document that speaks for your patient after he or she becomes incapable of making or communicating his or her own health care decisions.

Living Wills Ease Patient’s Fear

Living Wills Ease Patient’s Fear

Teaser: 

Lawrence J. Papoff

As Canadians age, they are becoming concerned with the infirmities that aging can bring. And one of those infirmities is Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It is the specter of the Alzheimer patient, unable to fend for herself or himself, suffering a prolonged period of dying, incapable of communicating a decision to end life-sustaining treatment, that has popularized the use of the living will.

Geriatrician Dr. Barbara Clive says she sees an increasing number of living wills in use among her patients, one-third of whom suffer from some form of dementia, most often AD. More and more patients are filling out the paperwork and having discussions with their families about end of life decisions.

A living will, or advance directive, is a written document that contains the will maker's wishes regarding medical treatment and personal care. Taking effect only when the maker is incapable of understanding and appreciating what medical treatment or care is required, it instructs a representative, called an attorney, to decide what treatment should be used, and when it should be terminated. The document may also give decision-making ability to a number of attorneys and provide for resolution of disagreements among them.