Living Wills

There are many good reasons for creating a Living Will. However it should be noted that a Living Will only relates to the provision of healthcare and does not allow any decisions to be made about financial matters.

Future Health Problems

Sometimes your health in the future might deteriorate to the extent that it might affect your ability to make decisions about whether to refuse medical treatment in the future. If that happened then a Living Will would be of use.

Peace Of Mind

A properly made Living Will can provide you peace of mind, knowing that your family will not be subjected to any uncertainties or confusion over what difficult decisions that might need to be made in respect of you refusing to accept certain types of medical treatment in the future.

Eligibility:

To make a Living Will you need to be:

Over 18
– Have full mental capacity (of sound mind)
– Not be influenced by anyone else
– Be able to sign the Living Will.

You cannot use a Living Will to:

– Ask for specific medical treatment
– Do anything against the law
– Appoint someone else to make decisions.

The Law On Living Will:

 The law covering Living Wills and Advance Directives is covered by the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Examples Of Living Wills

A Living Will usually contain provisions relating to some of the following:

– A Statement of your values and beliefs
– Refusal of artificial life support treatment
– Refusal of tube feeding
– Refusal of CPR
– Refusal of treatment for intervening illness
– Organ donation wishes.