Harbor Light Hospice, an Ohio hospice, recently released a blog answering the question "What is a living will?" A living will can help your loved one take control of their medical care before they are rendered unable to specify their wishes in this area.

A living will outlines a person's wishes in terms of their medical treatment and can be used to guide care decisions when the person is unable to express informed consent. This can cover decisions regarding life support, tube feeding, artificial hydration, and pain medication in the event of a terminal illness or other serious condition. In the event that a person does not have a living will, doctors may be legally obligated to perform certain procedures that the person may not actually want. A living will helps family members make decisions in line with what their loved one wants without worrying about whether they are doing the right thing.

To create a living will, you can either hire an attorney who understands your state's requirements or purchase a do-it-yourself kit and ensure it matches your state's laws. Fill out the paperwork and write down the rationale for the decisions made to help loved ones understand them. The living will can take effect as soon as it is signed or when it is determined that a person can no longer clearly communicate their wishes about treatment. Many living wills also include a durable power of attorney document, which appoints someone to carry out the wishes outlined in the living will. This person is then responsible for overseeing care and ensuring those requests are met.

Speak to Harbor Light Hospice for more information about a living will for your elderly loved one. Harbor Light provides customized hospice care for those living with a life-limiting illness. Harbor Light Hospice employs medical directors, nurses, therapists, and counselors to help your family and your loved one cope with end-of-life care. For more information, contact Harbor Light online at https://www.harborlighthospice.com/ or by phone at 330-686-4983. The hospice center is located at 207 Portage Trail, Ext. West, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 4423.

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