It isn’t a topic anyone loves thinking about. However, seeing as we’re all 6 times more likely to become seriously injured following an accident than to actually die, it is imperative that we set out our wishes for treatment in case we become incapacitated and unable to communicate ourselves. This can be done through a living will.
Without documentation, you risk leaving your family to struggle to make difficult decisions on your behalf. They may agonise over predictions of what your preferences would have been. They may come to conclusions that you would be unhappy with. This document makes it far easier for your family and health professionals to act in your best interest and according to your pre-meditated intent.
Living Wills:
What should I be making?
- Living will: also called an advance decision. This is a legally binding documented, signed and witnessed and included in your medical notes held by your GP.
- Advance statement: explains your personal preferences for how you wish to be cared for.
- Lasting Power of Attorney: choosing others to make these difficult decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to communicate.
What if I change my mind?
Living wills are used only if you are unable to communicate, so you don’t need to worry about having a change of heart.
What can I decide about?
A living will is a document containing your wishes regarding medical treatment you will receive in future regarding life support. It is a space for you to opt out of receiving life-sustaining treatment.
You may request:
- Not to be resuscitated (with CPR). What is CPR? Read more here.
- Not to be tube-fed
- Not to have additional ailments or infections treated.
You can’t ask specifically for your life to be ended. Euthanasia is illegal, so you can only request that your life not be extended with you in an uncommunicative state.
If you are refusing potentially life-sustaining treatment, you must include the statement ‘even if life is at risk as a result’.
Do I need to have it in writing?
Yes. You should tell your GP and medical team so that they can include it in your medical notes.
The document should be:
- Written down by you.
- Clearly communicated i.e. outlining all the treatments you wish to decline.
- Signed by you.
- Signed a witness.
What if I want to change it?
You can do at any time. You are advised to review it regularly as well.
Do I need to seek legal advice first?
Yes, this is recommended. You should also talk to your GP or medical team as well as your closest family and friends.
Advance Statements:
What would I include in an advance statement?
Advance statements allow you to determine how you would like to be cared for and your personal preferences:
- Location of care (ideally), your home, a care home or hospice.
- Dietary requirements.
- Liked and disliked foods.
- Your preference on baths or showers.
- Your preferred clothes.
- Your preferred music and TV preferences.
- Whether you sleep with a light on or not.
- Sleep routine (times you tend to go to bed, for example).
- Religious or other belief you hold.
- Your closest kin – those you’d want to be consulted about your care.
- Your preferred visitors.
How do I make sure my living will is respected?
You need to make sure everyone who’s involved in your care has a copy of your advance statement. This especially applies to your care staff, GP and medical team.
Refusing CPR?
Everyone is legally permitted to refuse CPR.
DNACPR is the ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ order. Your position will be put into your medical records.
We always advise that you tell your friends and family about your decision, so they are prepared.
Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The above decisions are extremely hard to make for most people, particularly as you can’t predict exactly what situation you might find yourself in.
For this reason, some people prefer to appoint responsibility for these decisions over to one, or multiple, trusted people.
Anyone over the age of 18 and with full mental capacity can make an LPA.
There are two types of LPA:
- Health and welfare LPA (which would determine the answer to some of the questions we discussed in this article)
- Property and affairs LPA
Where can I get more advice on LPAs?
You can contact the Office of the Public Guardian via email customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk or on telephone 03004560300.
Or you can visit this governmental website https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney.
Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life
Award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs
It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.
First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
0 Comments